I recently purchased a tanned blesbok cape with horns/skull. the measurements that were sent with it were 7 1/2 x 15.
the tan is only one year old and the cape is in fairly good shape in comparison to some of the african horror stories that i have heard. the problem is forms and size. all the forms that I find are 8"+ x 16" and up. I can shorten the e/n well enough but the 15" neck only really measures at 11". Is it really possible to get 4" of stretch out of this? it was dry tanned in Alaska but not sure by who. I would rather not have to modify a form down to 11 or 12 inches because it will really make it look top heavy though I can if need be. any advice on this, my first african piece would be appreciated.
thanks!
Justin
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15" only measures 11". Is it rehydrated? If it isn't, remeasure after it's soaked up. 11' sounds pretty small. For future reference, you pretty much need to alter all african mounts
The 11" is dry, not rehydrated and not stretched. getting 4" out if it just seemes like a lot to hope for. I am not to worried about having to do some form alteration I pretty much figured on that because he seems smaller all around then the forms that are out there. My fear is having him turn out "odd" or mis-shaped. neck way to small to look right with the head ect. I will not order the form until I am ready to mount him and have rehydrated/stretched. Probably won't get to him till spring anyway. just trying to learn what I can! thanks! not a whole lot of african info here. maybe we should ask ken for another catagory?
Justin
You hide has to be rehydrated and THEN take your measurements.
......then ask all the questions.
It may even fall apart, so never buy a form before rehydrating a skin of unknown origin and confirming dimensions.
Check your tan by saoking a small area of the shoulder first see if it pulls apart after wetting and sweating overnight. you will get a good stretch off african 4" not to much, also get it within an inch your glue will help a lot.If your still stiff soak in gallon of water with three teasspoons of baking soda for 20 minutes and spray warm water on it as your mounting to flex it up more.
.....African work yet. If you don't know that cape measurements are taken of a rehydrated hide not the dry one, you haven't gotten to that point yet. There is no point in just rehydrating a corner of the cape, if it's going to fall apart when rehydrated you are not going to save it by just doing a small portion.
Measure after you rehydrate, you will have the correct size. African skins let out alot if its has a good tan.
Thanks for your help, everybody! you answered my question!
Justin