This is a fairly typical unlined sleigh bell strap, except it has an engraved brass plate added near the buckle. The inscription says --
These bells were owned by Charles [last name], 1920-2019
farmer extraordinaire, [name of town], Maryland
***Jingle in his honor***
The owner asked me to put the plate on the underside of the strap, because he wanted it to show only when the strap was turned over.
The owner had a local engraver make the plate after he and I discussed the dimensions that would work best. I riveted the plate onto the leather with two small copper rivets. The metal plate stiffens the strap which is not good for a strap used on horses, but it is fine on a bell strap meant for display only.
This particular item is a custom, one-of-a-kind project made for a past client. Items in this Custom Projects section are for information only; they are not available for regular sale.
