Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1449:
Description
Vintage Traditional Wood Snowshoe
This appears to be a vintage pair of traditional snowshoes, likely dating to the mid-20th century based on the construction style, which is often referred to as the Bearpaw or Modified Bearpaw style—perfect for maneuvering in dense woods. The construction features bent wooden frames, likely ash or birch, with the classic natural rawhide lacing (often called babiche) forming the complex, tightly woven netting. The deep patina on the wood and the rich, aged color of the babiche speak to many seasons of use. The shoes show significant wear consistent with age and use, including some fraying and breaks in the rawhide lacing, a patina of dirt and discoloration throughout the netting, and some surface wear and scuffing on the wood frames. They remain structurally intact and present as an excellent example of classic North American outdoor gear. H 36″, W 15.5″, D 1″
Share this lot:
