Normandie Farm Pouch

This bag was made for a farmer in Normandy, France to use in what they refer to as "broadcasting", basically to hold the seeds as they sow the fields they have plowed.While this isn't a shot pouch, or meant to accompany a firearm, I made it using the same techniques and materials I have been using, only increasing the size, which is about 13" wide x 12" tall.  The body and strap are made from vegetable tan cowhide with pigskin binding.  The inside is lined with a lightweight browned linen. The bag was dyed with different shades of red and brown until I had a finish I found pleasing.  On the back, there is a loop between strap attachments to hang a tool or knife etc, and on the straps themselves there are numerous large holes punched to enable the hanging of other tools and objects if desired.  For the designs (stitched on the bag and burned onto the strap) I drew inspiration from sources including the Bayeaux Tapestry, and similar Norman inspired motifs wherever I could find them. Where the front of the bag was pierced, exposing the linen fabric underneath, the linen was waterproofed by melting and heating beeswax.  The entire bag was treated with neatsfoot oil which made the leather very soft and pliable.

Early pouch

This is my interpretation of a pouch with characteristics that would be considered by most to be pre-19th century.  It has an internal divider that serves as a welt, and a brass buckle.  The pouch was stained with vinegar and rust.

 

 

Barktan shot pouch

This is a simple shot pouch made from bark-tanned deer hide, lined with linen canvas and pillow ticking.  It also has a barktan strap with a small metal buckle and a pocket stitched into the rear interior.  It measures 9 1/2" wide by 8" tall.

Large flap bag

This is a simple bag with a large flap inspired by southern-mountain style bags I've seen, both originals and contemporary examples. It is vegetable tan cowhide aged and dyed brown.  There is a hanging rear inside pocket and an iron buckle for adjustment.

Simple barktan pouch

This is a simple, lightweight pouch made from a single piece of bark-tanned deer hide. The strap is cowhide with an aged steel buckle.  A leather cord with a small section of antler tine serves as closure. It measures 8" tall by 7" wide and has a small pocket on the inside back.

Large decorated pigskin pouch

Large bag made from pig skin.  It has rolled bindings and a large gusset with fringed welts.  The flap is decorated with a hunter's star and the body is decorated with compass flowers and vines.  The strap is cowhide with an iron buckle. Inside, there is a hanging inside pocket. The flap is lined with ticking and the inside body is lined with artists' canvas.  It is about 9" x 9" and is very roomy.

 

 

Squirrel gun pouch

This pouch was made for gunmaker Jack Hansberry for use with a squirrel rifle.  The body is made of pigskin and the strap is cowhide.  The bag has a fringed welt, rolled bindings, ticking-lined flap and an interior pocket on the back wall. The flowers and vines design, burned into the leather, were inspired by paintings on the stock of a well-known trade gun from the 1760's made by John Bumford of London.  This bag was featured on the Contemporary Makers Blog (http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2013/06/hunting-pouch-by-eric-ewing-for.html).