1781ish?- the whole Kit and Kaboodle

[cornstalk]

I won this at auction before Christmas and it just arrived. I am over the moon. I'll post additional photos if you guys want. I know you appreciate this as much as I do.

On the horn, among other things, is M Birch 81 (MB 81 is on the priming horn), the word "Miami", a large running buck, a couple of Indians, a gentleman, and a whole lot more.

I'm guessing 1781ish, Miami being the Indians.

Truly extraordinary and I am so honored to be its current caretaker and just wanted to share it with you guys.

 

[jackpine54]

That's awesome!

 

[Brazos John]

....and a whole lot more.

Well, show us!
Lots of close-ups!

 

[Brazos John]

Do the accessories appear to be the same age as the flask?
If so, show us photos of them, too!

 

[cornstalk]

Do the accessories appear to be the same age as the flask?
If so, show us photos of them, too!

They do. But of course I'm not an antiquities specialist so...

I'll get my old bones down on the floor and take some closeups. But first I'll start with the photos from the auction because I'm not sure I have enough lighting to pick up the detail.

 

[cornstalk]

These are on the main horn. Indian on the left has what looks to me like a tomahawk in his belt and he is holding out a pipe. Indian on the right looks like he has a pistol in his belt and is reaching out for the pipe. Check out how many gorgets he has. Apparently you guys aren't wearing nearly enough.

This is of the priming horn. I assume this to be M Birch. Looks like he has the hand in the waist coat thing going on.
Hand-in-waistcoat - Wikipedia

 

[cornstalk]

Better photos of the Indians

Okay this Indian has a beard? Looks like he is sitting down, not reaching for the pipe like I thought earlier.

Okay so were there actually stag in the US back in the 1700's? We read where a lot of guys use the word stag, not deer or elk. This sure looks like a stag to me. I know there was an Eastern Bison (with a much lighter colored horn) that went extinct sometime around then. Were there stags that went extinct?

 

[cornstalk]

Accouterments

Clearly the priming horn was carried inside the bag. But the pan brush and powder measure were carried outside.

So cool.

 

[BullRunBear]

Wow, that is some wonderful looking gear. Congrats on the acquisitions. Thanks for sharing those photos, especially the close ups. They would be at home in a good book about the era.

Jeff

 

[3 trees]

FIRST THANKS FOR SHAREING! I am a history teacher and buff and am totally impressed! What a find!! The history you hold in your hands is totally amazing! If you post any history you track down it would be something I will look forward to reading!

 

[jefair1]

Better photos of the Indians

View attachment 115970


Okay this Indian has a beard? Looks like he is sitting down, not reaching for the pipe like I thought earlier.

View attachment 115973

Okay so were there actually stag in the US back in the 1700's? We read where a lot of guys use the word stag, not deer or elk. This sure looks like a stag to me. I know there was an Eastern Bison (with a much lighter colored horn) that went extinct sometime around then. Were there stags that went extinct?

View attachment 115974

Instead of a beard, it could represent a chin tattoo.

 

[Artificer]

Instead of a beard, it could represent a chin tattoo.

Yes, and/or face paint.

Gus

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Gary Birch 1981

Nice find! His work is highly valued with collectors of contemporary work.

 

[OldSmoky1967]

That's awesome!

Very nice!

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

You lucky dog you!

 

[KC Clem]

I was curious as well. I was understanding that this was thought to be an original 18th century set but had to wonder based on the condition of the leather. I have never seen leather that old seem to be that supple. So this is a 1981 set? I think I'll look into Gary Birch, looks like outstanding work.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

https://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2021/12/morphy-auctions-gary-birch-hunting.html?m=1

 

[cornstalk]

https://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2021/12/morphy-auctions-gary-birch-hunting.html?m=1

Thanks for posting this. Still happy I got it, the Morphy Auction description on their website did not have any info about Gary Birch or it being 1981. Really appreciate the heads up. Very impressive work, super small intricate detail and the aging is very impressive.

 

[cornstalk]

This is the part that was missing from the description during the Auction "DMG Note: the 81 indicates the bag was made in 1981 per Gary's normal signing. JR" I believe Morphy Auction and I will be having a phone conversation. Sorry for the false excitement folks.

 

[cornstalk]

Folks while I sort this out with Morphys Auctions please remove your likes from my posts. Thanks.