george m. Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 Dear Ted, I have read a number of diaries and journals of 19th century Oregon Trail immigrants and haven't come across a mention of "prairie diamond" rings. Do you have a reference to a period mention of the practice? I'm not trying to sharp shoot or nit pick you. It sounds interesting and I'd like to know more about it and document it. Also, thanks for the advice. I have made a number of things for my late wife's medieval castle doll house and agree with your tips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted T Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 George M. Because I was the blacksmith who donated a few orders of Prairie Diamond Rings, I have had a some people approached me who wanted to tell me of their personal stories about the Prairie Diamond Ring. One lady was actually given the custody (in a will) of the family horseshoe nail (Prairie Diamond) ring that was used by her ancestors who had crossed the prairie as I have attempted to describe. So it sounds like a true concept of history to me. It is my understanding that it is not appropriate to speak in any detail about a religious group on this site, but one may Google the key words and follow the trail of the web sites. I hope you understand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eseemann Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Hammer, that quill is exquisite work, I love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eseemann Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Here's an early (and bad) photo of one of my first attempts at a small one, 1/4" stock held in vise grips to cut using my not-really-portable band saw, which is mounted on a wall in my shop. My newer ones are better, I've taken to flattening just about 1/8" on each of the 4 "legs" just a bit, gives a nice look. But they end up in people's pockets really fast! Stupid friends. Sigh...I consider it first year marketing, they all have to promise to wear it and tell people who made it! That cross is really nice work, you are getting better all the time. I bet they would look great with a few lines of brushed brass. If you felt like trying something new you could get some lead free solder and tin plate part of the cross. It works for steel frying pans so it should work for a steel cross. Ernest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpankySmith Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Thanks Esse! I'll have to bring one of my more recent ones to Forge Council to show you. If I get there this month, I'm on call that weekend...again..... Ted, the concept of a Hot Box intrigues me.... hmmm, gonna have to try that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 This is as small as I've ever been able to go. The knot on my key ring. Multiple attempts to form a ring on the end kept burning up the steel till I gave up, drilled a hole and ran a split ring thru it. I did get a rare chance to use my 1 lb straight peen though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george m. Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Dear Ted, Thanks. I will pursue that line of research. I tend to be a bit skeptical of anything that comes down in oral history, e.g. this X came across the plains in a covered wagon when actually it came on the Union Pacific when it was ordered from Sears, unless there is some period reference in a diary, newspaper, letter, etc.. Sometimes the oral history is spot on and sometimes it is skewed. Yours, George Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave51B Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 I'm not sure why I even tried this.....I got into smithin' to sharpen plow shares........Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpankySmith Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Nice, Dave! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted T Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 WOW!! Very Nice! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave51B Posted September 20, 2014 Share Posted September 20, 2014 Hey, thanks Spanky and Ted......I'm still trying to get my hammer control, under control....now if I could just make my "nails" all look the same....In due time, I hope............Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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