Belt Pouch with Real Antler Toggle

Early Gothic Leather Belt Pouch with Real Antler Toggle

Historical Context and How to Wear It

At the turn of the 13th century, during the Early Gothic period, sewn-in pockets were completely unknown in common clothing. All personal belongings, such as coins, tinder, flint and steel, or food rations, were carried in bags and pouches suspended from the belt. While the nobility favoured richly decorated accessories, the common folk and those living close to nature utilised readily available natural materials. A toggle closure made from a piece of bone, animal horn, or antler was a very popular, practical, and inexpensive solution. The massive flap of this pouch is secured in exactly this way – the antler piece, hung on a sturdy leather thong, is simply passed through a leather loop at the bottom of the pouch.

The pouch is primarily designed to be hung on a belt. On its back, there are two wide and robust loops that can easily accommodate even more massive historical belts. Thanks to its design, the pouch sits firmly at the waist and does not get in the way when walking or running through the forest.

Technical Specifications of the Rustic Pouch

How to Care for Brushed Leather

Brushed leather has a specific, matte appearance and therefore requires different care than smooth leather. To clean dust and dried dirt, a special rubber suede brush will serve you best. Never grease the pouch with classic heavy leather fats or beeswax – this would irreversibly glue the fine hairs on the surface together, and the pouch would gain a patchy, shiny look. To increase water resistance, we recommend using exclusively impregnating sprays intended for brushed leather (nubuck/suede). If the pouch gets wet on your journey, always let it dry slowly at room temperature. Never dry it near an open fire or on a radiator, as the leather would harden and crack.

Please note: The toggle is made from a real piece of antler, which means its shape, colour, and size will vary from piece to piece. Likewise, the brushed leather may show minor natural imperfections. These characteristics make each pouch an absolute original. Be careful to avoid strong mechanical impacts that could chip the antler.

Shoemaker Lukáš Špulák

To accompany this perfectly rustic pouch, we highly recommend purchasing a simple leather belt with a hand-forged buckle from our range, on which it will look absolutely fantastic.