The Red Hand of Ulster Belt Buckle

**tyger** · 16th September 10, 05:09 AM

A forum member asked me if I could make this design for him, and here is what I made from pewter and brass.

This symbol is used to denote the Irish povence of Ulster. It is also known as the Red Hand of Ireland, and the Red Hand of O"Neill.

Its origins are attributed to the mythical Irish figure Labraid Lámh Dhearg (Labraid of the Red Hand), and appear in other mythical tales passed down from generation to generation in the oral tradition. The symbol is strongly rooted in Irish Gaelic culture and in particular, the pre-1600s Gaelic clans of Ulster such as the Uí Néill, and Lamont.

The Red Hand of Ulster, pewter on brass, 3.5 inches diameter, Tyger Forge copyright 2010

**denmcdough** · 16th September 10, 05:52 AM

Gorgeous!! Is this a one of a kind, or are others available?

**Joe Gondek** · 16th September 10, 07:21 AM

Really nice job tyger

**Santa Kona** · 16th September 10, 07:33 AM

Yet another master piece

**artificer** · 16th September 10, 08:11 AM

Fantastic work, as always. I love your bi-metal work. The background is VERY nice and sharp, with no 'muddy' pattern over-stamp.

I think I may have to start a collection of X-Marks craftsmen's work. Buckle from you, bonnet from Ryan, kilts from Matt and Barb, sgian from Drac, etc. Eventually my whole outfit will be hand made, and I'll know who made each piece.

Although I do need to find a good tailor on "the X" for my doublet. Anyone?

**tyger** · 16th September 10, 10:38 AM

Thank you all for your compliments. I sincerely appreciate each and every one.

Originally Posted by artificer

Fantastic work, as always. I love your bi-metal work. The background is VERY nice and sharp, with no 'muddy' pattern over-stamp.

I think I may have to start a collection of X-Marks craftsmen's work. Buckle from you, bonnet from Ryan, kilts from Matt and Barb, sgian from Drac, etc. Eventually my whole outfit will be hand made, and I'll know who made each piece.

Yes, that has been my approach so far. Nothing that I have is from the catalog or off a rack somewhere. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Thing is, I like the look and feel of artisan goods. And there is a certain satisfaction in knowing the person, the materials, the source, and the method. That is what got me started: I could not find a belt buckle that I liked. Made in a factory, a thousand at a time? No, thank you.

And yes, I also like the married metals look. Mixed metals and leathers work for me. I think we will see a resurgence of this as time goes by. We are already seeing a renewed interest in brass sporran cantles, and this will carry over into buckles and other metal accessories.