The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks

Posted by Bob Hamilton on January 7, 2023, 9:30 am

Celluloid (cellulose nitrate) was invented in the mid-1890’s and not long after its invention companies like Hunter Arms began using these little plastic covered pinbacks to promote their products. In the case of Hunter Arms they were promoting both their guns and bicycles.

"Pinback" is a general term, as these advertising pieces also were produced as stick pins, button hooks and button studs.

Here are a few pinbacks that I have collected over the years, there are other rarer variations and colors of these pinbacks, but I believe these are the main ones from what I have seen.

For me, collecting Hunter Arms memorabilia has become a second hobby and compliments the shotguns.

I would be interested to see any Hunter Arms memorabilia others have collected on their L.C. Smith journeys. I'll share a few more items from my humble collection in the future.

Bob

Re: Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks

Posted by Drew Hause on January 7, 2023, 9:41 am, in reply to "Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks"

Great stuff Bob!

A couple more Hunter Wheels c. 1896

Re: Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks

Posted by Bob Hamilton on January 7, 2023, 10:15 am, in reply to "Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks"

Hello Drew,

The second "wheel" variation is one I have never seen before with that fastening system. That is very neat and thanks for sharing.

Here is a close-up of the "button hook" wheel.

Bob

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Re: Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks

Posted by Bob Hamilton on January 7, 2023, 10:57 am, in reply to "Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks"

Here is an example of a rare Hunter Arms "Ride a Hunter, Shoot a Smith" green pinback (I do not own this). There are probably other examples out there just waiting to be found.

Re: Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks

Posted by stanley hackett on January 7, 2023, 8:27 pm, in reply to "Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks"

Bob, this topic with photos would be worth an article in the LCSCA Journal. I'm sure the editor would welcome it.
Nice collection! Stanley Hackett

Re: Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks

Posted by Chris Demars on January 8, 2023, 9:19 pm, in reply to "Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks"

The coolest thing I found was a hunter arms ruler with a picture of the hound that slid up and down on it. I’ll post a picture of it when I get back in the office. Just missed a paper weight on eBay the other day. I’m always looking for hunter arms stuff if you have anything you’re looking to get ride of. I’m a Fulton resident and a collector of anything old home town.

Re: Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks

Posted by Bob Hamilton on January 9, 2023, 6:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks"

Chris,

I would like to see the ruler when you have a chance and hear about any other family history relating to working at Hunter Arms.

Don't feel too bad about the paper weight, it was a modern reproduction, despite the seller saying it was from 1890!

Bob

Re: Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks

Posted by Ken Descovich on January 11, 2023, 10:48 am, in reply to "Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks"

This is great! How about obscure catalogs I picked this up from a bicycle collector group.

Re: Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks

Posted by Bob Hamilton on January 11, 2023, 12:18 pm, in reply to "Re: Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks"

Hello Ken,

Great find! I have not been able to find any bicycle catalogs, I know they are very hard to come by. Someday I would like to add one to my collection, along with a Hunter bicycle head badge.

Bob

Re: Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks

Posted by Bob Hamilton on January 11, 2023, 12:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Hunter Arms Memorabilia - Pinbacks"

Hello Stanley,

Thank you. I have thought about submitting articles and will plan on it in the near future when I'm better able.

Don't hesitate if you have anything to share on this topic, it would be nice to see what other Hunter Arms items might be out there.

Bob

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