Mark, There are many instruments with this type of hinge still in use in the UK today - instruments as late as 1895. I have found that the vellum from by the UK suppliers is nearly always too thick for the job. I have used parchment, and negative film in the past, and find the latter to be an extremely good (non authentic) repair. The trick to a good repair is to ensure there is no glue residue at the junction of the two wood pieces. I have an 1830 Broadwood U/R here with all these hinges still intact - I suppose there must be something good about it?? Does anyone want to buy it?? Rob Thornton UK
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