Relics of the American West: 1850-1920 - ONLINE ONLY
Lot 2320:
Description
This pair of traditional Huron-style snowshoes represents classic North American craftsmanship, likely dating from the mid-20th century. Constructed with steam-bent wood frames—most likely ash for its strength and flexibility—they feature intricate rawhide (babiche) webbing in a hexagonal weave. The distinctive “teardrop” shape with a trailing tail was designed for stability and tracking in open woods and fields. The set includes original heavy canvas or fabric bindings, which remain remarkably intact. Physically, the snowshoes show signs of authentic field use; there is expected weathering to the wood and some minor fraying or darkening of the rawhide, but the frames appear structurally sound without significant cracking or breaks. The “Huron” or “Michigan” style is specifically identified by that long, pointed tail and the wide, rounded toe. This design is a masterclass in weight distribution; the tail acts as a rudder to keep the shoe straight in deep powder, while the wide deck prevents you from sinking. Looking closely at the weave, the “hexagonal” pattern in the center (the bedding) is heavy-duty to support the foot, while the toe and tail sections use a finer mesh to shed snow and reduce weight. These were likely produced in the Great Lakes region or Eastern Canada, where this specific geometry was perfected for mixed forest terrain. H 36″, W 10.75″, D 1″ Please see photos.
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