Lug Restoration

Here is an image of before & after restoration of a fire bucket sent to my studio in need of handle lug replacement . "Lugs" are the straps of leather that are folded over the metal rings (usually iron rings but occasionally brass) and are stitched into the rim of the bucket. The handle is then attached by stitching it onto the rings allowing the handle to freely swing back and forth.
As you can see in the photo on the right, the restored lug has the appearance of age and the hemp cordage is now restored as well. When I replace a lug or handle, I use new leather of the same original type and tannage that I apply an artificial patina to resemble age. By artificially aging new leather to look old, I am able to incorporate strength into the restoration.

One of the most common conservation problems with leather fire buckets is that the lugs tend to break, causing the handle to detach from the bucket. If you are fortunate to have an original bucket with it's handle and lugs intact, treat it gingerly as they are brittle with age. Do NOT display your bucket by suspending it by the handle and do not make a habit of holding it by the handle and allowing the weight of the bucket to stress the lugs and handle...or else you'll be sending it to me for repair! Do not let a broken handle or lug detour you from acquiring a fire bucket. The value of a bucket is not dependant upon the condition of the handle, it is based upon the quality and folk-art charm of the painted design and the overall condition of the bucket. A broken handle or lug when restored properly does not negatively effect the value of an original fire bucket. However, it is important to attend to any restoration issue as quickly as possible to avoid possible further damage and perhaps more costly repairs..."a stitch in time" as they say! I would add that repairs performed poorly are a detraction and if not done properly can be a costly booger to reverse.

Keep in mind;

• Do not attempt to re-attach a handle or ring with any kind of adhesive or tape. This can easily damage the surrounding area of the paint or leather.
• Do not use wire to affix the handle.
• You may use a string to loosely secure the handle to keep it from flopping and resulting in further damage...use your logic...but if in doubt, do nothing.
• Do not take your bucket to the local "leather-guy" for repair...I've seen some very bad irreversible results done by folks that think they know what to do.

I'll post more preservation do's-and-don'ts in future posting.