Submitted by Tim L. on 5/13/99. ( )
I have just received a bear skin back from the tannery for a rug mount. Several of the claws are missing. The boney core is still there but the outer nail is missing. Any ideas as far as replacements. Thanks, Tim
This response submitted by George Roof on 5/13/99. ( georoof@aol.com )
Tim,
I just warned someone last night about this. Tanneries demand that you wire brown bears and grizzlies, but they say that black bears will be OK. I wire all my bear claws going to a tannery.
But that's spilled milk. You have several options. First, call the tannery and ask them to send you some that have fallen off. Yours isn't the only one that this happened to. If they do, simply epoxy the claw nail cover over the core. Second, you can use any of the sculpting epoxies to recreate the claw over the core. Put the epoxy in place and check it periodically. When it starts to harden, you can shape it out and sharpen the point easily. Then paint. And last, but not least, I know Research Mannikens and Van Dykes carry artificial bear claws. I think the Van Dykes sells the claw cover, while Research sells the entire claw that included the attaching bone joint.
This response submitted by Tim L. on 5/14/99. ( )
George, Thanks for the help. I will call the tannery
today. I will also start wiring those claws. Tim
This response submitted by Todd on 5/21/99. ( fortman@bright.net )
We usually have quite a few of extra bear claws on hand that we sell.We buy up extra's,legs also.If needing any give me a call at 419-394-4188.
This response submitted by Joseph Autrey on 1/17/00. ( sparrowhawks@speedsurfing.com )
I am in need of claws any kind please email me or call me 2703786196. Also I am in need of a good silversmith, Thanks Joe