Category Archives: Historical Clothing and Equipment

Gage d’ Amour

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

I made a new Gage d’ Amour for my pipe and tobacco.  I used some scraps of brain tanned leather and sewed it with a cotton thread.  I am going to leave it plain for now and may add some … Continue reading →

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A Gift From Robert Campbell

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

I recently received a new rifle from Robert Campbell as a token of appreciation for saving his life.  You see, back in the spring of 1829, I lost mine while rescuing him from the Blackfeet.  We were at a place … Continue reading →

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Solo Camp

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

Requirement #3 states “Must have spent an accumulative time of two or more weeks in the wilderness under primitive conditions in the company of no more than one other member. Each stay must be at least three full days and … Continue reading →

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Brain Tan Leggins

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

I made a second set of brain tan leggins.  These are full length and have a broad loop at the top for my belt.  I can wear these over cloth trousers or with a breech clout.

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Swan’s Down Vest

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

I have seen several mentions of a Swan’s Down Vest.  My research revealed to me that “Swan’s Down” was a very soft wool fabric used for vests and baby clothes.  I found a very soft blanket material and using the … Continue reading →

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Summary Comments on the Works of Alfred Jacob Miller.

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

In studying the artwork of Miller, I have seen many wonderful references to the material culture of the Rocky Mountain fur trade.  I will use his artwork and notes to develop and justify many of the items I use in … Continue reading →

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“On Your Own Hook”

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

Miller says there are three classes of trappers – the hired, the free and the trapper “on his own hook”.  Does any one know the difference between the later? A friend responds:  ‘Miller is probably describing engagee trappers (hired), free … Continue reading →

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Observations on Miller

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

The following comments are based on the sketches by Alfred Jacob Miller as found in the Parke-Bernet Galleries sale book from 1966. #1 – Antoine Clement had a white dog with lop ears.  His leather shirt has long fringe and Indian quill … Continue reading →

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The Dog Travois

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

Last summer, I built a couple of travois for my dogs and started training them to pull them with some of my gear on them.  They have done very well.  Cole can carry up to 35 lbs. on his travois, … Continue reading →

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Spurs

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

I made a pair of spurs to wear over my moccasins.  The life of the Mountain Men was a life on horseback.  When you spend some time on a horse or a mule you come to understand the value of … Continue reading →

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