1 reply to this topic

[malcolmbebb]

I have a 20b Lachenal in need of some work. The leather around the bellows frames has been munched by something - looks very like slug damage! and needs to be replaced. Serial number is 131289.

Can anyone tell me how these were put together?

It looks like the hinge has initially been made with cotton or linen cloth, with the leather applied over the top.

I would like to try re-covering this part of the bellows before considering replacing the whole thing.

TIA

Malcolm

[apprenticeOF]

There are different ways that hinge areas were made. The older Louis Lachenal 4 fold bellows I am looking at (circa 1870) was made using "single card" construction. That is one piece of card cut to the profile of 4 folds plus ends, scored, folded and then reinforced with thin leather on the inside hinge, the top binding leather providing the strength/seal for the outer hinge. There are no linen reinforcements in this bellows.

"Individual card" bellows can be made by lining up cards that have been individually cut, taping the inside of the outer hinge and the outside of the inner hinge with linen. Leather pieces on the inside of the inner hinge and the top binding over the outer hinge provide the seal. Bob Tedrow's method of making this style is much more practical. Homewood.net "bellows Making Explored" is very informative.

Depending on whether it is the inner or outer hinge that is damaged you will have different repair issues.