Vinyl Bandoliers (patterns included)

[TK14791]

I thought I'd begin a new thread to start documenting my Martini-Henry bandolier build. As many of you know, I recently completed a vinyl Turkish Ottoman style bandolier, and the end result was good, especially for the price. All thanks go to Arcturus1020 for his pattern and help. I'm reposting his original thread here:

Turkish Ottoman bandolier build with Pattern

I won't bother to rehash my build here, but I can link a couple of pics and my build thread. Be sure to scroll about halfway down to hit to bandolier build.

My Ottoman Build

 

So, now its on to the Martini Henry bandolier. I'm going to use the same vinyl as I have plenty left over from my Ottoman build. There are full leather versions that can be purchased fro around $60 from various vendors, including IMA-USA. The issue I have with those is that they are very think and stiff, and not completely accurate to the bandolier worn by Peter Diamond. Most of the new replicas have much larger, and therefore fewer cartridge slots. The modern bandoliers have 10 loops, with two on the outside of the Sam Brown studs and 6 in between.

If you look back at the movie version, there are actually 4 slots outside of the posts on each side and 8 more in between for a total of 16. Look at the photo below:

In addition, the fold over flap here is only about 5/16 the width of the full bandolier. So I set out to make a basic template that incorporates this information together with what others have posted in the past. With that in mind, here is what I came up with:

The pattern tends to be two large pouches, followed by two small and then two more large. I will likely only make 2 large and 1 small as only the front of the bandolier is visible under the outer robe. The fold over flap measures at 2.5 inches so that 1 full inch can be sewn to the back, leaving a 1.5 inch flap. That is a bit longer than the actual ratio (should be more like 1.25 inches) but that looked a little small. I am attaching .pdf templates below for anyone that wants them. Hopefully the actual build will start soon!

 

Martini-Henry.pdf

[HappyTrooper]

These look great, excellent job!  What is the width of your bandolier?  Around 4-5 inches?  Where did you purchase your vinyl?

[TK14791]

Not sure what happened to some of the pictures, as they show up on my phone but not here.

The Ottoman bandolier is only about 3.75 inches (mine). I know BCarp100 makes a great product, and his run wide. I have a smaller frame and wanted to go with a less cumbersome look. The Martini-Henry is wider and so mine will be 4 inches. I think my Ottoman is proportionally close to Peter Diamond's

The vinyl came from Hobby Lobby. It runs about $24.99 a yard, but I can make at least two bandolier's with 1/2 a yard. It is wide enough that you don't need to sew it together in sections. Plus they always run a 40% off coupon, so you can get 1/2 yard for under $8.00.

[HappyTrooper]

Awesome, thank you!!!

[TK14791]

Starting the slow process:

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[TK14791]

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[TK14791]

Well, it's been a while as I'm currently battling cancer.

The pressure foot on my sewing machine started to give out, which caused stretching of the thin vinyl. But I got enough for what I needed. The patterns are sound if you have a good sewing machine.

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[Arcturus1020]

Cancer sucks; I'm sorry you're facing that battle and do hope that you beat the crap out of it!

The bandoliers came out beautifully! Awesome work and I'm sure that others will benefit from your patterns!!!