Steampunk Prosthetic Hand 1

So this is my first updated pictured of my mechanical prosthetic hand that will go with my Steampunk Confederate uniform. As I had told several people earlier is is EXTREMELY time consuming, each finger joint has to be made first in paper, shaped, fitted and double checked before it is cut out of sheet aluminium. I know some of you are saying why aluminum??

Well for all you history buffs (like myself) in the early 1850s aluminium was actually more valuable than gold because a effective means for extracting it from ore had not yet been discovered. By 1880s (which is the time period I placed my character) it is about as valuable as silver and was highly prized because it was light weight, fairly durable and didn't corrode or rust. Don't believe me Google it

Anyway the basis for the hand is a nylon/spandex glove insulator, hence it's silver coloring. It was the only I could find thin enough and strong enough to sew, yes I said sew the pieces of joined aluminium to. All the of the screws, nuts and washers are 100% brass, and let me tell you VERY expensive. Even though the hand isn't finished I already have over $30 dollars in brass hardware invested.

The brown material you see is actual leather. I cut it into three pieces and stitched it together by hand to simulate a rough fabrication, one you would get at your local 1880s prosthetic limb shop.

As is the hand is about 50% complete, I have not pictured, although it is made) the outer shroud that will covered the areas that are still the silver lycra fabric. It will strap on so to speak with a series of leather straps and brass buckles. This part is still a work in progress.

The hand is fully articulated, I made it to fit my own had extremely snug. The dimensions of each of the joints are so precise that only my hand will fit it and is able to move the individual sections, which allows for the fingers to move.

I give the whole project another 2 weeks before it is complete, considering it has already taken 2 weeks to get this far, entire build is about a month...should be ready for Halloween!

Let me know what you guys think!