Tin target

[John Bastiani]

Has anybody seen a George Best "Early Tin Pigeon"? I was going through some things today and found this item that I had got several years ago when purchasing some glass target balls. The info that I have on the tin target is that is was made around 1885 in Chicago and was made to be reused. Its in the shape of a disc like a clay bird with a ring around the top that would disengage from the target when the pellets hit it and flutter down like a dead bird. These have to be fairly rare as I have personally never seen another one. I not even sure what something like this could be worth but it has to figure in with the early start of trapshooting. If the Grand American was still in Ohio-I would probably give it to the museum of trapshooting that was on the grounds. Anyway-Id appreciate any additional information someone might have.

[Researcher]

I think it is William Best. It is covered on pages 32 and 33 of the book, Trapshooting the Patriotic Sport by D.H. Eaton, Third Edition. It is available on Google Books.

[Trap3]

John... Do you have a photo? I think there are three tin target mfg. from 1886-87 period. It could be
a Parkersburg Target Co. Metal Target or even a Macomber Metal Target Co. I would
agree the tin targets are a "rare bird". I have a Parkersburg in my Trap collection...

Trap3

[mobirdhunter]

So, Randy, the scoring of the target is from sound? I'd really like to see one of these fly. I'm having a hard time imagining their flight and what would throw them appropriately. It sure seems like a novel idea...that obviously did not catch on.

[Stan Hillis]

Very interesting. So, the idea of the shot charge detaching one part fo the target from the other was not "invented" with the Helice targets now in use, it would seem.

Garry, I think the two parts of the target had to be detached to score a hit. At least, that's the way it is in Helice (ZZ birds). The dome detaches from the propeller (wings). It is referred to as a witness cap.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Stan Hillis

Very interesting. So, the idea of the shot charge detaching one part fo the target from the other was not "invented" with the Helice targets now in use, it would seem.

Garry, I think the two parts of the target had to be detached to score a hit. At least, that's the way it is in Helice (ZZ birds). The dome detaches from the propeller (wings). It is referred to as a witness cap.

Thanks, Stan! I still marvel over this "invention" from more than a century ago. And now, you have me wanting to know more about Helice targets.

[Trap3]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

So, Randy, the scoring of the target is from sound? I'd really like to see one of these fly. I'm having a hard time imagining their flight and what would throw them appropriately. It sure seems like a novel idea...that obviously did not catch on.

Garry, the "score" would be when the wire ring sprang loose from the target.
I read an article that the tin target lost popularity because of poor flight in windy conditions...

RD

[Joe D.]

That's a beautiful 97 Pigeon Gun! Thanks for posting the picture.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Randy Davis

Garry, the "score" would be when the wire ring sprang loose from the target.
I read an article that the tin target lost popularity because of poor flight in windy conditions...

RD

Thanks, Randy. I knew from talking with you that you must be avid collector of trap artifacts, but I never dreamed your collection was as extensive as it obviously is. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and those wonderful photos with us.

Do you still have that Baker stocked with that wonderful piece of wood? I still see that gun in my mind's eye.

[Trap3]

Garry, You`re welcome... oh yes. Still have a couple Bakers.
Have started thinning the vintage SBT collection...