Directions: Take the silver plate, 41⁄2 × 21⁄2 ins., and divide it across the shorter dimension into places corresponding to the number of teeth in the design. Be extremely careful about the spacing. Centre punch these divisions and drill holes about 1 in. from the edge through each one equal to the thickness of each tooth. Here the thickness would be about 1⁄16 in.
Suggestions for belt buckle for a lady. Can be worked in brass, copper, or silver stone setting
With a sharp tool draw lines from these holes to the outer edge. Be careful to have all the lines running parallel to each other. Place the saw through the holes and saw the divisions out, keeping as close to the line as possible. When they are all sawed out, file each tooth separately, rounding each one a little. Do this filing most carefully, for the least roughness left will pull the hair when the comb is put in place. The extreme point of each tooth should be sharp, after a gradual taper from about 1⁄3 the length of the tooth to the end. This can all be done with a file. The comb is now ready to bend in shape. Place it on the round stake and with a hammer curve it until it forms an arc of a 5-in. circle. Most combs are curved to that degree.
Stones: Cut strips of silver for the bezels, long enough to fit exactly around the stone. Set the stones on the same way as you did those for rings and pins. Polish and finish.
XIX
ENAMELLING
Enamel is a glass fused to the surface of metals, for decorative purposes. It is bought in flat discs about 1⁄4 in. thick and weighing from 5 to 6 ounces. These discs are broken up so that one is able to buy enamel in small quantities. It comes in any colour and when put upon the surface correctly the colour does not change and it is not affected afterward by atmospheric influences.
Tools: One needs few tools for this work. A wooden mallet, a mortar and pestle, and a small spoon used to put the enamel on the metal when filling the design will be found sufficient. The spoon may be made by taking a 1⁄8-in. piece of silver or copper wire with about 1⁄2 in. of the end flattened down spoon shaped. File this end round and smooth so there will be no ragged edges.