The way my body is built, waist larger than back side, I like to use suspenders to keep my drawers up. Besides, it prevents the ladies in camp from getting a free show that I'm sure they would not appreciate. Here lies the problem, the only type of suspenders I can find are the webbing type that most sutlers have. The type with modern snaps and clasps for adjustment. As I portray a trader/plainsman of the 1820's, these "dandy" type suspenders from Europe and back east are not appropriate. I have been unable to find anything that a common working man would have used. Were they leather or webbing, or a combination of both? Were they the four buttons in front and two buttons on the back like the dandy suspenders? Were they straight over the shoulders or crossed in the back? If crossed in the back, were they sewn together or left loose. Trying to get more correct in my attire and the documentation of this has eluded me. Any good references you can point me to?
Rick
Here are some you might look at;
http://www.hamiltondrygoods.com/suspenders.html
William, thanks for the thought. I talked with Ron over the weekend. He said his suspenders are more 1850 and later. One of the guys on the TMA Forum might have hit on what I'm looking for. They're called Galluses, a working mans way of holding up his drawers. Now I have to do the research to see if they are for my period, place and person. Wish me luck, I haven't found much yet.
Rick
All the luck in the world to you my friend, I'd be interested in seeing what you come up with as I'm trying to get my outfit together as well.
DeadDawg, did a quick Google search found this;
http://books.google.com/books?id=vAr2T4Bh7nkC&pg=PA622&lpg=PA622&dq=gallus+suspenders&source=bl&ots=yO9mhvY2yr&sig=7ZrTljw14SH7LkzbE7J3SRIBsNE&hl=en&ei=JvX4Ssq3M9LRngfHz7yEDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAjgK#v=onepage&q=gallus%20suspenders&f=false
Look on page 622, right hand colume, has a bunch of dates of when the references come from b ut the one from 1941 has a description.
Thanks Hankaye, that give me a good point of reference. I'll let everyone know how the research goes.
Check with James Townsend & Son. I believe they might have what you're looking for.
Thanks Mouse, Townsend carries the same ones as Hamilton. All pre Civil War. I found a woman who makes the "Dandy" type from Europe of that period. I just don't think fancy ribbon suspenders would hold up on the plains.