Handcrafted Bonnie Gothic Kidney Pouch

Handcrafted Bonnie Gothic Kidney Pouch with Brass Fittings and Studs

Construction and Practical Use

This pouch is designed as a "kidney-style" bag, which was immensely popular across all social classes during the Gothic period. Its specific design features integrated wide belt loops that are part of the back panel, ensuring high durability and resistance to tearing. You can simply slide the pouch onto your leather belt with a width of up to 44mm (1.73"). The flap is decorated with brass studs, which serve both an aesthetic purpose and reinforce the overall structure. The closure consists of a leather strap and a cast brass buckle, ensuring the pouch remains securely closed even during vigorous movement or running on the battlefield.

Technical Parameters and Specifications

As this pouch is a product of genuine handcraft, minor details or the shade of leather may vary slightly, giving each piece its own unique character.

Historical Context: The Pouch as a Medieval Necessity

In the Middle Ages, garments lacked pockets as we know them today. All personal belongings, from coins and fire steels to seals, had to be carried in pouches suspended from the belt. This particular type, with its divided flap and prominent fittings, is based on High and Late Gothic fashions. Similar pouches can be seen in period illuminations or on the effigies of nobility and wealthy burghers. Interestingly, the richness of the fittings and the quality of the leather directly reflected the owner's social status. The brass studs on the flap are not mere decoration; they are a reminder of a time when metal elements protected the leather from wear and cut-purses (hence the historical term for thieves – "cutpurses").

Maintenance and Safety Recommendations

To ensure your pouch serves you for many years and the leather remains supple, we recommend following these principles:

• Regularly treat the leather with beeswax or specialized leather balms to prevent drying and cracking.
• If the pouch gets wet (e.g., in the rain), let it dry naturally at room temperature. Never place it directly on a radiator or dry it with a hair dryer.
• When in use, ensure the contents are not excessively heavy, as this could lead to overstretching of the leather loops.
• The pouch is intended for belt-wear only; do not use it for other purposes that could compromise its integrity.

We recommend pairing this pouch with a high-quality medieval leather belt with a brass buckle and a stylish eating knife in a leather sheath to create a complete historical set.