LEATHER ATTACHMENTS

I'm often asked "What is the authentic way to attach this strap to my.....", whatever you have. The answer ,unfortunately, is that there's not one 'authentic' way. Given that original woven straps are extremely rare after three centuries, studying attachment methods is futile at best. The few examples I've been privileged to examine revealed no surprises. The only real conclusion was that the craftsmen, or consumers, used whatever method they thought best and was possible given their skills, tools, available materials, and ingenuity.

The easiest method is obviously a simple wrap of the fringe, or the strap itself, and tying a knot...but this method sometimes doesn't lend itself to aesthetics. Using a sewn-on leather tab is very common indeed. Yet other examples utilize fully adjustable, leather belt sections with brass or forged buckles or rings. There are many options, but It's your choice. What works for your application? I'll tell you what worked for my husband's Great-Great Uncle's small hunting horn here in our display case....a thin cotton strand tied round the tip end and a slot-head screw on the other end. Simple solution, yet perfectly functional, for a simple horn.

So, don't doubt your judgment and common sense when it comes to joining that new strap to that freshly finished horn or bag. How do you think our ancestors did it? Take a look at the photos below, build yourself an idea, and go on down to the workbench. Or if you have to, take it to your friend's workbench.

On this page you will find some sketches and photographs I offer for ideas of different styles & designs of leather attachments for horns and bags. These are only a few of many different ways to attach a strap. Straps may be attached as well with no leather, by leaving long fringe on each end which may be braided and tied to the bag or horn itself.



	This sketch demonstrates one of many ways to attach a strap to a horn. The sketch shows a heart shape, but any shape will work. Leather is laced through the 4 holes in the center of the heart, and the linen (any course thread is fine) as shown is wrapped around the tabs.	This photo shows a simple horn attachment - the strap is looped around the ring on the horn and sewn down. The same method is used for the throat.