M64M - Up for auction is one pair of Civil War suspenders, or rather, braces as they were called during the War. Some people call these "Poor Boy" suspenders however, that appears to be a "reenactorism", still, it is a term that is used by some reenactors so I will use it in my listing. I have added photo documentation of the styling of my braces. Note that period trousers had one button on each side but most modern reproductions have two buttons per side. My braces are an adaption of this original type of suspender with a "Y" end piece made of fabric.  

Homemade by me, using an authentic period hand cranked sewing machine. This is a new option that I am offering to the discriminating living historian. The machine (in 6th photo) is a Bradbury New Family which is a copy of the Singer New Family introduced in 1863 and uses the transverse shuttle system. The buttonholes are handsewn of course. This style is perfect for the Campaigner Progressive Living Historian that comes from a home that was fortunate enough to have a sewing machine. Many homes in the North probably had a sewing machine. Because the machine is so much faster, I can offer these braces at slightly lower cost than my totally handsewn version. Also, the thread used in the machine is antique cotton thread (shown in the 7th photo) for as much authenticity as possible. The material on this pair of braces is a very authentic fabric, the 8th pic is a scan of the actual fabric. The facing material is a 100% Cotton BLACK w/GREEN/GOLD VINES & LEAVES pattern fabric, I fold the sides into each other and the two strips are then sewn together for good strength, approximately 1 1/2" wide and the button holes are all hand stitched. The backing is an off white cotton ticking material for good strength. I made these with a slightly longer "tail" in the front to approximate the period look seen in photos. To check for fitment, you need to put on the trousers you wear for events (remember trousers in Civil War ride higher than modern pants). Measure from rear button, over the opposite shoulder (I recommend crossing the braces in the back), down to your front buttons. This will give you the approximate length you need. The 4 different lengths are achieved by moving to a different button hole on the braces. Most fellers in the 6' tall, 180-220 lb range will use approximately 38" length, depending on trouser rise. If you need shorter, I can add holes or for longer, I can provide extensions to button on the back (these are $4 extra), please indicate at auction end. 

The 9th pic shows the difference of modern machine stitching (on left), 1881 machine stitch (center) and handsewn running stitch (right) 

This is another new style I have developed. I have combined features from two other styles into one. If you will note on the back of the braces, I have added a strip of fabric creating a loop for one side to run through. This is to help keep the braces from falling off your shoulders during use. Rather than simply sewing them, this loop allows for movement of the braces so as to not bind up on one side or the other. Also, I have made them so there is a longer front piece to hang down such as the braces in the period photo.

CREAM BACKGROUND w/BLUE VINES & LEAVES print 100% cotton fabric w/White cotton thread handsewn buttonholes making these adjustable from - 41.5", 40", 38.5", 37" 

NOTE: AUCTION IS FOR THE SUSPENDERS ONLY. THE PICTURED SEWING MACHINE AND ANTIQUE THREAD ARE NOT FOR SALE AND ARE SHOWN SO YOU CAN SEE THE MACHINE & THREAD ACTUALLY USED TO MAKE THESE BRACES. 

Great for either Union or Confederate campaigner, reenactor, living historian looking for something different. A pair of handmade braces sent from home!!! Usable for Civil War civilian as well as Black Powder Shooters, Mountain Man, Rendezvous, Cowboy Action Shooter, SASS as well. 

ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: please wait to send payment until I send you an invoice with correct shipping costs. I cannot control delivery times and/or customs issues, therefore, I make no promises in regards to delivery times. 
USPS will be making the following changes January 27, 2019.

• USPS First Class packages are increasing an average of 11.9%*
◦ Note that USPS First Class Package Service pricing will change from a flat rate per ounce to zone-based pricing per ounce
• USPS Priority Mail increases an average of 5.9%*.
• Changes in weight distribution of packages will affect pricing on USPS packages starting in June.



Here are some comments from satisfied customers: 
How did I EVER Reenact without these before??? 
LOVE EM!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! A+ A+
 "Great item. Super fast service. Recommended" 
"Awsome suspenders. Thanks for all your help!!!" "Great item, well made and outstanding service. Thanks! A+A+A+A+" 
"Nice braces good transaction AAA +++Thanks"
 "Very nicely made, Excellent suspenders, extreemly fast shipping, the best!"