Do bookstraps still exist?

August 14, 2008 7:10 AM

Looking for a pre-WWII-style school bookstrap.

I've done a lot of web searching, to no avail. This item will be used in a kids' history exhibit. What I'm looking for is an all-leather, metal-buckle genuine bookstrap (not a repurposed belt). eBay is not a good source for me, since I'm using a purchasing plan and need to know the source ahead of time. Does anyone know if these are still made and sold by anyone?

Thanks.

posted by Miko to Shopping (5 answers total)

You probably already know this, but a bookstrap would be a pretty easy project for somebody who does custom leatherwork. Worst case scenario, you could commission one.
posted by box at 7:45 AM on August 14, 2008

You could go to the Alchemy section of Etsy and put in a request for one. Describe exactly what you want and provide a photo. The leather crafters there will then bid on your request and you can read private messages from them describing what they can do and for how much. You then pick which artisan you want to do the job. It's pretty awesome. There's a seller there who makes a lot of bookstraps (just not as a separate entity) and you can request a custom item from her specifically if you like what you see.
posted by iconomy at 7:48 AM on August 14, 2008

I have a friend who deals in antiques and props, so I emailed him to ask if he has one. Here is his answer:

Yes I think I do, but I'm not sure where it is...one of the boxes somewhere. We've had so many but it has either a metal or leather handle. Also known as a blanket strap. One style also had a metal and wood double handle and a wind up-able fabric loop that the books slipped into, then was tightened to hold them securely. Sorry, I just don't remember which style we have. I think it's priced at around $35 bucks or so, if that's in her budget, I'll be going through boxes in the next day or so. If I find it I can shoot a jpg to sent her.

I won't answer her directly 'cos I'm not creating yet another account so if you feel like passing this along, great. If not, not.
Thanks
Y

(Yank)

So, if you'd like, you can contact him privately and directly by going here, or here.

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posted by peagood at 8:40 AM on August 14, 2008

Manufactum sells what they call 'file belts' here but I'm afraid they seem to be canvas rather than leather.
posted by calico at 4:49 PM on August 14, 2008

Response by poster: Thanks! Useful answers. peagood, I'll contact your contact and look into the Alchemy section idea as well.
posted by Miko at 2:23 PM on August 15, 2008