Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to some of the most common questions I get about Silver Dollar Leather items. If you can't find the answers you are looking for here, contact me.

Are the coins real?
On most items, the coins are museum quality replicas, dome forged with Chicago screw backs. Some are silver plated and all are beautiful - many people find it hard to believe that they are replicas. I have a SDL "Collectors Series" in the works that will feature authentic coins.

Why don't you use real silver dollars on all pieces?
Authentic silver dollars contain 90% pure silver which varies in price day to day. The coins used (Morgan & Peace dollars) are also collectible, so coins have collectible value too. Between the cost of even a cull coin, and the process of making it into a concho, it would add significant cost to each piece. For those collectors out there, sign up for my mailing list and I will keep you posted about the SDL "collectors series".

Do you do custom work?
Sometimes. If there is an item you want a slight modification to, (different leather, different coin, etc) let me know, I can usually accomodate you. As far as major modifications or new designs from the ground up, right now I am not taking custom work. I do have many items in progress not listed on my site though, so if there is something particular you are looking for, let me know, there may be one sitting on my workbench.

How long will it take to get my item?
I have been doing more and more craft fairs, shows, etc, so I do have many items ready to go when you order them. Usually, I try to package them, and get them to the post office within a few days. If I don't have the item you're looking for in stock, I can handmake moat items in 1-2 weeks. It dempends on the item and how many other orders I have at that time. If you are on a time constraint, drop me a line and I'll try my best to make it work. Right now this is a one man operation, which means, I buy the leather, cut it, punch it, assemble and stitch it, attach any hardware, package and mail it - all by hand. Then in my spare time I run the website, do all advertising, and work on new designs.

Is "Crazy Horse" leather made from horses?
Nope. It's just what the tannery calls that specific leather finish. Some places call it "Apache" leather. It is pull up leather (which means when you bend or crease it, the leather will lighten in color and slowly return to it's natural color). It has an oil finish that gives it a more rugged look and it is made from good 'ol American cattle.

My "Crazy Horse" item seems to easily pick up scratches, is that normal?
Absolutly! The "Crazy Horse" or "Apache" leather is oil-tanned and does not have a high gloss polyurathane coating like many synthetic commercial leathers. This does mean that the leather will pick up more nicks & scratches but that just adds to the character of your item. You can "soften" scratches and nicks by rubbing them out (your thumb and some elbow grease works pretty well).

What is Sinew?
Sinew is a fiber made from the tendons of animals (they attach muscle to bone). It is extremely stong and has been used to make thead and bindings by the Naive Americans. All Silver Dollar Leather products currently use extra strong 70lb. test, synthetic sinew made of a waxed polyester continious filament cord.