Rifle Sleeve- period correct advice

[James Kopp]

I see that most rifle sleeves are made from deer hide, however I am wondering if cloth was a more traditional and easier method to make rifle sleeves. I am looking for start a new project for a sleeve in a traditionally 18th century style, but looking to avoid deer hide if possible.. Does anyone have any ideas, picture or fabric pattern recommendations for the sleeve for a 1750's flintlock?

 

[Widows Son]

Trade blankets were commonly used to make containers and pouches and bags and all kinds of useful items. Pure wool contains natural lanolin which is moisture repellent and rust resistant.

Lay your rifle on the fabric and fold it over enough to cover it. Use pins or toothpicks to shape the contour of your weapon. Then patiently sew together.

I don’t know if there is an actual 18th century “style” unless you’re considering decorating it

 

[deerstalkert]

here is my current project. be sure whatever material you use you add enough for fringe on both sides after wrapping the rifle and creating the sleeve.
i still need to stain the buckskin fringe to match and add decorations and a closure strap or something . this is Elk hid just because i had it laying around. it houses a Pedersoli Mortimer flintlock.
also add length for a closure flap.

ready and waiting! her hunting days are over.

 

[bigted]

I like your elk hide gun sleeve. That old sweetie layin long side is a great lookin friend. My old golden left me a bunch of years ago and I still miss him. He was 19 years old when he went to a peacefull sleep laying under my bench vice in the shop. I love him yet!

Srry just an old man reminiscing.

Always wondered why the fringe. My deer skin sleeve has long fringe and honestly it is in the way more than anything. Always gonna cut em off but have not yet.

 

[BillinOregon]

Ted, I believe the question of the purpose of fringe has not been fully answered to this day.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Other than the fringe really looks good on the gun sleeve.

 

[SmokepoleSam]

I've read that on clothes the fringe was to wick away the moisture after they got wet.

 

[user 48679]

Also, I believe that the longer fringe pieces came in handy for sewing up a torn garment when afield.

 

[deerstalkert]

plus a supply of jaw leathers if needed. just finished this one. has a Mortimer FL inside. 54 inches long

 

[RayjHindle]

Very nice!

 

[waksupi]

Look at art work of Eastern Indians. Many show them wearing turbans. Many of the turbans in fact were gun cases, being worn as a hat.

 

[tenngun]

Personally I think fringe was just style. Was none to popular in the east, pretty absent in the south west.
We see it in early near east on Chaldean kings and Phoenician traders and popular on ladies fashion in Victorian age.
In Millers paintings we see it at some seams but it explodes in the later west, sewn on even where there was no seam. And it hides the Fancy Dancer
All the wicking water away and handy wangs I THINK are after the fact explanations