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.

[Dave Noreen]

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.

[Randy Davis]

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

[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.

[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.

[Garry L Gordon]

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.

[Randy Davis]

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 Dreisch]

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

[Garry L Gordon]

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.

[Randy Davis]

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

[John Davis]

To say Randy has an extensive collection of trap artifacts would be an understatement.

[todd allen]

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

I would love to see some more pictures of that 97.

[John Bastiani]

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

Mine looks exactly like your third picture(your first post) and has more of the original black finish. Thanks for posting the pictures! Have you any idea what the value might be?

[J. Scott Hanes]

Remington experimented with a metal reusable target in the mid to late 1970's at Lordship Gun Club in CT. It never got legs. I have an example somewhere in the "stuff" but can't put my hands on it right now. If I find it I will post a photo.

It had a round metal domed body with a "wing" attached that allowed it to be launched at a good rotational speed. When hit with a shot string, the wing and dome would separate to score a hit. Then the pieces could be reassembled to use again. Lots of labor involved that likely overcame the target cost-savings. The current day, Helice targets are very similar but are launched at much higher velocity than what was available in the late 70's.

They called it Pro Pigeon.

[Stan Hillis]

I'm not a collector, per se, but having shot both Helice and pigeon matches I talked a match promoter out of a Helice bird. Anything as tough to put down inside the ring as they are deserved a spot hanging in my shop. IMO Helice is much tougher to go straight on, than flyers.

Interesting thread.