Help finding a nice baldric

[Teufel Hunden]

This is actually for my kilted wedding i'm in the very early stages of planning.

Here's a rough idea of what I'm looking for:





Obviously in the second pic, it's not holding the sword, but i do like the look of it. EDIT PER CHAS' POST: I love the look of the second pic, even though it's not historically accurate. All I'm really looking for is a baldric nice enough for a wedding, that'll hold my sword.

I've spent a serious amount of time on google and can only find boring, run-of-the-mill type pieces, or "themed" ones, like pirate and the like. Anyone know where I can find at least 3 better looking ones suitable for a wedding?

Any help appreciated!

-Sam

[Chas]

Hi Teufel,

Welcome to XMarks. I don't know if it helps at all but, the second picture is of course Sean Bean in his guise of Richard Sharpe. The uniform he is wearing was specially designed to look like an Irish regiment but was also designed to not be like any existing or previous Irish military group. There was some argument between the Ministry of Defense and the production company, so although the uniform looks authentic there is in fact nothing authentic about it. So, all I am saying is this - don't base any large financial decisions on the basis of that picture.

Regards

Chas

[Teufel Hunden]

Hi Teufel,

Welcome to XMarks. I don't know if it helps at all but, the second picture is of course Sean Bean in his guise of Richard Sharpe. The uniform he is wearing was specially designed to look like an Irish regiment but was also designed to not be like any existing or previous Irish military group. There was some argument between the Ministry of Defense and the production company, so although the uniform looks authentic there is in fact nothing authentic about it. So, all I am saying is this - don't base any large financial decisions on the basis of that picture.

Regards

Chas

Thanks for the tip.

I wasn't really looking for that exact look, more so the resemblance of it. Broad strap, lightly decorated, black, with or without buckle... not specifically a historically accurate piece.

[svc40bt]

You might check with member Cavscout at Oconee Leather Works. He has belts up to 3 inches wide; might be able to work something up for you.

[macwilkin]

Hi Teufel,

Welcome to XMarks. I don't know if it helps at all but, the second picture is of course Sean Bean in his guise of Richard Sharpe. The uniform he is wearing was specially designed to look like an Irish regiment but was also designed to not be like any existing or previous Irish military group. There was some argument between the Ministry of Defense and the production company, so although the uniform looks authentic there is in fact nothing authentic about it. So, all I am saying is this - don't base any large financial decisions on the basis of that picture.

Regards

Chas

Chas,

I hate to correct you, but the regiment in question in the Sharpe series was the 95th Rifles, not an Irish one. Irish regiments of the line would have worn the traditional red coat of the Napoleonic era.

The 95th Regiment of Foot became the Rifle Brigade in 1816.

The "baldric" that Sean Bean/Sharpe is wearing the photo is actually a "pouch-belt" particular to officers in rifle regiments, such as the aforementioned Rifle Brigade, the KRRC, Gurkhas, etc. The whistle is particular to rifle & light infantry units, as neither had drums as a form of battlefield communication.

Regards,

Todd

[Chas]

Chas,

I hate to correct you, but the regiment in question in the Sharpe series was the 95th Rifles, not an Irish one. Irish regiments of the line would have worn the traditional red coat of the Napoleonic era.

The 95th Regiment of Foot became the Rifle Brigade in 1816.

The "baldric" that Sean Bean/Sharpe is wearing the photo is actually a "pouch-belt" particular to officers in rifle regiments, such as the aforementioned Rifle Brigade, the KRRC, Gurkhas, etc. The whistle is particular to rifle & light infantry units, as neither had drums as a form of battlefield communication.

Regards,

Todd

Hi Todd,

I bow to you superior knowledge in this respect. I have never watched the series, Sean Bean not being one of my favourite actors.

The point of my posting was this. The Ministry of Defence has always been willing to assist television and film production companies providing the funds are forthcoming. They provide technical expertise; muzzle loading gun crews; any amount of soldiers and of course military and pipe bands amongst other skills. They have even lent warships for filming purposes. There was an acrimonious dispute, between the MoD and the 'Sharpe' production company. So much so that the production company tried to sue the MoD for breach of contract. It was never resolved. The Mod withdrew all support and contact. The upshot was that 'Sharpe's' uniform, and I believe all the major players' uniforms, are inaccurate or modified or altered in every respect. At a glance they all look correct, but in fact all the dimensions and colours and shapes and number and everything is in fact not as an original would be. It might be only a millimetre or a fraction of an inch, or the direction of the twist of the cord, but nothing was 'right'. There are even special uniforms for close-up shots.

That is why, I said that no-one should spend alot of money based on that photograph.

Regards

Chas

[Big Mikey]

Might take a look here. http://www.ravenswoodleather.com/Baldrics/index.html I have bought some small leather goods from them as well as two highland shirts. Good quality and good people.

[Teufel Hunden]

Awesome replies to far everyone! much appreciated!

[Woodsheal]

These are decent:
http://www.gggodwin.com/CartGenie/prod-199.htm

...as are these:
http://www.tattershallarms.org/gear.html

[HeathBar]

J Higgins has a crossbelt listed on their website. Not sure if it is built to carry a sword. You might want to search under piping supplies and look for crossbelt. Good luck!