Author Topic: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch  (Read 9751 times)

Offline Ben Beam

  • SASS Affiliated Merchant (#105892)
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 247
    • Ben Beam & Co. -- Old West Ephemera
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« on: April 03, 2017, 10:37:32 AM »
Tobacco was certainly the best friend for a countless number of cowboys on the trail, and Bull Durham was certainly one of the more popular brands (three pouches for 5 cents!). You can buy genuine Bull Durham pouches on eBay, although most of them date to the 30s or 40s, and they generally look worse for wear. I purchased an earlier one that was in decent shape and then did an autopsy on it to see how it was constructed and to scan in the various components at 1200 DPI. I then cleaned them up in Photoshop and set about finding a way to recreate it.

The band that goes around the pouch as well as the Durham label were originally printed with gold inks, which I simulated by using two different gold papers, which matches it perfectly. The tax stamp I opted to modify slightly so it couldn't be confused with a genuine original, although the modified portion is covered by the other labels so you'd never know. There were multiple versions of the rolling papers that came with pouches, including at least two versions of the Rizla, so I recreated the earliest (and yes, if you remove the pack it has the instructions inside for rolling a cigarette, and has the papers as well). I found some muslin pouches with gold string to match the originals, although no one makes pouches in exactly the same size as the original, so it's just a tad bigger. And to finish it off I filled it with some crushed popcorn to give it shape. The original tobacco left grit everywhere!

I'm very pleased with the results; it looks like a brand new pouch off the grocer's shelf.

https://imgur.com/a/38JPH
Ben Beam & Co. -- Bringing You a New Old West -- Reproduction Old West Ephemera for re-enactors, living historians, set dressing, chuckwagons, props, or just for fun!
http://www.BenBeam.com

Offline dusty texian

  • Chief Scout Wehmeyer Ranch's.
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 2134
  • Dusty Texian
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 107
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #1 on: April 03, 2017, 10:46:05 AM »
That looks great! Amazing work! ,,DT

Offline Coal Creek Griff

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 2078
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 633
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2017, 01:19:03 PM »
That is very impressive!

CC Griff
Manager, WT Ranch--Coal Creek Division

BOLD #921
BOSS #196
1860 Henry Rifle Shooter #173
SSS #573

Advertising

  • Guest
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #3 on: Today at 11:53:40 PM »

Offline Forty Rod

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 6603
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2017, 11:42:38 PM »
Y'oughta sell those.  If the price were right I'd buy a dozen just to have them.
People like me are the reason people like you have the right to bitch about people like me.

Offline Shawnee McGrutt

  • NCOWS Member
  • Top Active Citizen
  • ***
  • Posts: 250
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 12
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #4 on: April 04, 2017, 05:31:07 AM »
Great job of reproducing that pouch. 
Looks just like the ones my grandfather use to get.
National Congress of Old West Shootists 3633
Single Action Shooting Society 88462
Society of Remington Revolver Shooters
The Sublyme and Holy Order of the Soot
"I wish I had an answer to that because I'm tired of answering that question." - Yogi Berra

Offline Ben Beam

  • SASS Affiliated Merchant (#105892)
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 247
    • Ben Beam & Co. -- Old West Ephemera
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #5 on: April 04, 2017, 11:26:39 AM »
y'oughta sell those.  If the price were right I'd buy a dozen just to have them.

Funny you should mention that...I'm working on putting together some sort of package of reproduced items that someone might have on his person. I'm compiling original items that are appropriate to the period, scanning them in and doing a lot of cleanup to make them "new." Not sure everything that's going to be in it yet, but it'll likely include letters, old bottle labels that one can affix to a bottle (most flea markets have old bottles available for cheap), the tobacco pouch, and a few other items. I'm open to suggestions as well. I may include a custom business card in a style appropriate for the time if there's a demand.
Ben Beam & Co. -- Bringing You a New Old West -- Reproduction Old West Ephemera for re-enactors, living historians, set dressing, chuckwagons, props, or just for fun!
http://www.BenBeam.com

Offline Forty Rod

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 6603
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #6 on: April 04, 2017, 12:32:52 PM »
Sounds like a real career if you want it to be.

Cigarette papers, cigar bands, post cards, advertisements like a man (or woman) might save or carry in a pocket, commercial "Mother Hubbards" given as sales gimmicks we could add our own needles and thread), and other such stuff..... might be something someone like I would want.

I may have other idea to come.  I'll ask around.
People like me are the reason people like you have the right to bitch about people like me.

Offline El Peludo

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 735
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #7 on: April 21, 2017, 07:59:32 PM »
Nice reproduction.  I have a few of those - somewhere; used them quite a bit once upon a time.
El Peludo (The Hairy Man)
Las Vegas, Nevada Territory
Lifer in: Life, NRA, NAHC, SASS, SBSS,WARTHOG, DIRTY RATS
IBEW(Retired), Shooter since 1955.
             Roop County Cowboy (FF)
             Original Member: Grass Valley Rangers,
             Camp Beale Land and Cattle Company.

Offline Forty Rod

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 6603
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #8 on: April 21, 2017, 10:11:05 PM »
A lady friend suggested packs for needles that carried advertising and period match box lid labels.
People like me are the reason people like you have the right to bitch about people like me.

Offline Ben Beam

  • SASS Affiliated Merchant (#105892)
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 247
    • Ben Beam & Co. -- Old West Ephemera
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2017, 11:09:59 PM »
I'll look into both of those. Thanks for the suggestions!
Ben Beam & Co. -- Bringing You a New Old West -- Reproduction Old West Ephemera for re-enactors, living historians, set dressing, chuckwagons, props, or just for fun!
http://www.BenBeam.com

Offline Bunk Stagnerg

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 684
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 7
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #10 on: April 22, 2017, 07:20:35 AM »
Perfect is there the rolling papers on the back side? Used a many of them in my younger days. Less cost that factory made ones.
Bunk

Offline Ben Beam

  • SASS Affiliated Merchant (#105892)
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 247
    • Ben Beam & Co. -- Old West Ephemera
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #11 on: April 22, 2017, 09:59:56 AM »
Yep, a pouch of Rizlas.
Ben Beam & Co. -- Bringing You a New Old West -- Reproduction Old West Ephemera for re-enactors, living historians, set dressing, chuckwagons, props, or just for fun!
http://www.BenBeam.com

Offline Sergeant Klondike

  • Texas Territorial Detachment
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 136
  • NRA Life Member, SASS 11461
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #12 on: May 05, 2017, 08:14:06 PM »
I agree with Forty Rod,  If you start selling them I would purchase some for our 1880's period correct chuckwagon.   I'm sure many of the chuckwagon folks would be interested.  We're always looking for period correct items to carry on the wagons and assist in living history displays. 
"Law and Order Every Time That's Us" - Turkey Creek Jack Johnson, Tombstone Territory

Offline Ben Beam

  • SASS Affiliated Merchant (#105892)
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 247
    • Ben Beam & Co. -- Old West Ephemera
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #13 on: May 05, 2017, 11:08:06 PM »
I appreciate the enthusiasm! What started as a lark has actually turned into a much larger project. I'm working out the kinks now, but hopefully I'll have something to share soon. The tobacco pouches will be available as part of it. Not trying to be cryptic, but didn't want to ignore the requests I've gotten so far. Hang in there, I should have something to share soon.  :-X
Ben Beam & Co. -- Bringing You a New Old West -- Reproduction Old West Ephemera for re-enactors, living historians, set dressing, chuckwagons, props, or just for fun!
http://www.BenBeam.com

Offline Isbjorn

  • Very Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 61
  • I promise I won't laugh at your mule.
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #14 on: May 08, 2017, 07:03:07 PM »
So, how does it feel to be a Bull Durham tobacco pouch? ;D

But seriously, be careful lighting that popcorn! :o
The REAL code of the West:
Do unto others before others do it unto you.
WH#3

Offline Ben Beam

  • SASS Affiliated Merchant (#105892)
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 247
    • Ben Beam & Co. -- Old West Ephemera
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #15 on: May 26, 2017, 02:21:18 PM »
Alright, I guess I'm finally ready to bite the bullet and share what I've been working on.
 Per the rules of the forum I can only point to my signature for now (hoping to change that soon).
Ben Beam & Co. -- Bringing You a New Old West -- Reproduction Old West Ephemera for re-enactors, living historians, set dressing, chuckwagons, props, or just for fun!
http://www.BenBeam.com

Offline Shawnee McGrutt

  • NCOWS Member
  • Top Active Citizen
  • ***
  • Posts: 250
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 12
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #16 on: May 26, 2017, 02:34:41 PM »
got to get a Bull Durham pouch
National Congress of Old West Shootists 3633
Single Action Shooting Society 88462
Society of Remington Revolver Shooters
The Sublyme and Holy Order of the Soot
"I wish I had an answer to that because I'm tired of answering that question." - Yogi Berra

Offline Sergeant Klondike

  • Texas Territorial Detachment
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 136
  • NRA Life Member, SASS 11461
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #17 on: June 11, 2017, 07:03:22 AM »


Received mine a few weeks ago.  Excellent quality!  Thanks Ben Beam & Company!
"Law and Order Every Time That's Us" - Turkey Creek Jack Johnson, Tombstone Territory

Offline Ben Beam

  • SASS Affiliated Merchant (#105892)
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 247
    • Ben Beam & Co. -- Old West Ephemera
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #18 on: June 11, 2017, 09:33:03 AM »
Thanks! I actually just finally got registered with SASS and am now an Affiliated Merchant. Still waiting for my packet to arrive.
Ben Beam & Co. -- Bringing You a New Old West -- Reproduction Old West Ephemera for re-enactors, living historians, set dressing, chuckwagons, props, or just for fun!
http://www.BenBeam.com

Offline Wapaloosie

  • Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 20
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Made myself a Bull Durham tobacco pouch
« Reply #19 on: June 11, 2017, 10:22:53 AM »
Incredible!

Got on your website and read about all the work that went into the whiskey label. Amazing!

Keep up the good work, and I will definitely be knocking on yer door in the future!

 

SMF spam blocked by CleanTalk

© 1995 - 2023 CAScity.com