Crazy Crow eNews 2019-03-28
March - April
Crow Calls Sale Featured Items
Powwow and Rendezvous season is almost here! Save on many of our most popular items such as Moccasin Kits, White & Gold Buckskin, 18th & 19th Century Footwear, (& lots more) for your next craft
project or event. 

28 items & item categories
are featured BELOW.
Featured Sale Items
Front Fall Knee Breeches
These were used prevalently through-out the mid-18th century and even into the early 1800’s. Our knee breeches are made from sturdy cotton canvas. Buttons are arranged on the front fall and knee band to match historic examples. The back is gusseted and laced to give you that extra room you need while sitting. Knee Breeches are not vanity sized. Please measure your waist to get a true size before ordering. Sizes available: 32, 33, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46.
Item No. (replace ** with size)
4610-001-2** Dark Brown
4610-001-6** Tan
Reg $99.00 | SALE $84.15
1770s Colonial Waistcoat
A collarless waistcoat style that is suitable for period dress between
1760-1800. Made from 100% wool and nicely lined in white cotton. Brass buttons add a nice touch down the front. Two fully lined pockets on each side make this a fully functioning piece of period clothing. Sizes available: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48.
Item No. (replace ** with size)
4618-002-0** Navy
4618-002-1** Green
4618-002-3** Maroon
Reg $89.00 | SALE $75.65
1750s Colonial Waistcoat
Our 1750s Colonial Waistcoat is a longer waistcoat style popular throughout the mid-18th century. Perfect for F&I period clothing and reenactments. Made from 100% wool. Waistcoat is fully lined in cotton as are the two working front pockets. Adorned with brass buttons (10 down the front and 3 for each pocket). Very nicely made. Sizes available: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48.
Item No. (replace ** with size)
4618-001-0** Navy
4618-001-3** Maroon
4618-001-4** Cream
Reg $89.00 | SALE $75.65
19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat
This is a classic style vest worn from the early 1800’s into the Victorian period (1837-1901). This waistcoat has a nice even lapel that leads down into two rows of five brass buttons. 2 fully lined pockets are on each side. The front panel is made from 100% wool; the back is cotton with a cinch buckle for a tighter fit. Sizes available: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48.
Item No. (replace ** with size)
4618-003-0** Navy
4618-003-1** Green
4618-003-5** Red
Reg $89.00 | SALE $75.65
1850s Waistcoat
This 1850s Waistcoat is a standard style vest used in the mid-19th century. You can see this style throughout the Civil War; used in both military uniforms or as part of civilian wear. We have offered two colors to cover both options. Has a short stand-up squared collar and nine eagle embossed brass buttons. Three functional pockets adorn the wool front panel. Back panel has a cinch buckle for fitting. Sizes available: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48.

Item No. (replace ** with size)
4618-004-0** Navy
4618-004-6** Butternut
Reg $75.00 | SALE $63.75
Item No. (replace ** with size)
4640-001-0** Navy
4640-001-2** Dk Brown
Reg $179.00 | SALE $152.15
1850s Frockcoat
 This is a basic double-breasted design of the mid-1800s. You would see this style used as an officer’s coat during the Civil War. This style was also widely used as a civilian coat. This is why we have chosen to replace the Civil War buttons with matching wool covered buttons. This will give you more options as to how you use this in your period attire. Our 1850s Frockcoat is made from 100% wool and fully lined for comfort. Two fully lined pockets adorn each side. Sizes available: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48.
1840s Shoulder Bag 9"x11"
Made from a high quality cowhide with a grain reminiscent of bison leather. This bag features nice soft feel and pull-up that gives the leather the look of quality and durability. While sharing many characteristics of the other Missouri River brands hunting bags, each style has its own defining features. All have a back pocket. All flaps are leather trimmed. Shoulder straps are nice and thick with antiqued brass buckles and D rings.
Item No. 4524-201-005
Reg $89.00 | SALE $75.65
Item No. 4524-201-004
Reg $99.00 | SALE $84.15
Deluxe Woodsman’s Bag w Fringe 10"x11"
Made from a high quality cowhide with a grain reminiscent of bison leather. This bag features nice soft feel and pull-up that gives the leather the look of quality and durability. While sharing many characteristics of the other Missouri River brands hunting bags, each style has its own defining features. All have a back pocket. All flaps are leather trimmed. Shoulder straps are nice and thick with antiqued brass buckles and D rings.
Large Hunting Bag 10"x10"
Made from a high quality cowhide with a grain reminiscent of bison leather. This bag features nice soft feel and pull-up that gives the leather the look of quality and durability. While sharing many characteristics of the other Missouri River brands hunting bags, each style has its own defining features. All have a back pocket. All flaps are leather trimmed. Shoulder straps are nice and thick with antiqued brass buckles and D rings.
Item No. 4524-201-006
Reg $89.00 | SALE $75.65
Item No. 4524-201-007
Reg $89.00 | SALE $75.65
Frontier Possibles Bag
Made from a high quality cowhide with a grain reminiscent of bison leather. This bag features nice soft feel and pull-up that gives the leather the look of quality and durability. While sharing many characteristics of the other Missouri River brands hunting bags, each style has its own defining features. All have a back pocket. All flaps are leather trimmed. Shoulder straps are nice and thick with antiqued brass buckles and D rings.
Folding Pocket Lantern
This Folding Pocket Lantern is comprised of a hinged tin box with rolled edges. Inside the box is a candle holder that rotates out. This holder provides the lantern with both a light source and stability to stand up. When folded shut it measures 5" (high) x 3" (wide) x 1" (deep) and takes up very little space on your writing desk. Candle not included.
4684-013-012
Reg $45.00 | SALE $36.00
Beaded Backpack 18"x15"x7"
Using real Czech seed beads, this backpack has a 15"x12"x11" front beaded panel. The panel has a double snap top revealing a large outer pocket. The body of the backpack is made from a heavy smoked gold canvas with a back piece and top flap of a similar weighted dark brown canvas. Snap buttons are positioned at the top so the sides can close down before the top flap is strapped shut. Overall dimensions of the backpack are 18"x15"x7". Two adjustable shoulder straps positioned in the back. Large enough to hold dance regalia but versatile enough for use as a weekender bag or large school backpack. Interior is nicely lined and has several pockets including a large zippered enclosure.
8545-170-004
Reg $155.00 | SALE $131.75
8545-170-003
Reg $149.00 | SALE $126.65
Beaded Cinch Top Bag - 16"H x 11"Dia

Our Beaded Cinch Top Bag is constructed out of nice heavyweight dark brown canvas, this cinch top bag is a sure eye-catcher. The beautiful Czech beadwork wraps completely around the bag in a traditional style often seen in blanket strips. The bag is plenty big to use as an overnight bag, school bag, or large purse. Stands 16" tall and has a round 11" diameter base. Reinforced canvas straps are adjustable and secured at the bottom by metal fasteners. Top of the bag has large metal eyelets so the rope can cinch up easily. Interior is fully lined and has several pockets and closures within.
Bucket Bags 12"x14"x6"
These beautiful Bucket Bags are constructed from handwoven cotton panels and feature a nice suede trim. Using metal eyelets, a cotton cord is used to cinch up the top. Every bucket bag has an adjustable shoulder strap.
Sold in assorted styles and colors.
4524-510-900
Reg $49.75 | $44.75/Ea. (3+)
SALE $44.77 | $40.27/Ea. (3+)
River Cane Flutes
Without a doubt the best river cane flutes Crazy Crow has ever offered. In terms of clarity, tonality, and ease of playing, these are an absolute must have. We offer the option of three keys (A, C, and E). These flutes naturally have a smaller diameter which creates their distinctive clear tone. The five holes keep the desired pentatonic scale. The bamboo used is very resistant to warping and will keep its shape. The bamboo is finished with a safe natural lacquer and wrapped with waxed twine for added color accents. The River Cane Flute is apparently simple, but its sound has a special quality that can equal the most high dollar wood flutes.
What' sNew?
Large full-grain bison sides with beautifully rich natural colors. Thickness is around 5 ounces making it perfect for moccasins and heavier clothing. We offer these in three colors: Gold, Willow, and Tobacco. Limited quantities so 
get yours today. Hides measure approximately 17-23sf.

Prices are the same for each color.
17-20 sf | $144.00/Ea. | $130.00/Ea. (3+)
20+ sf | $171.00/Ea. | $154.00/Ea. (3+)
Willow (128)
Gold (153)
Tobacco (170)
Superior quality, 6-layered chevron beads that are identical to the old Italian made favorites that have been traded around the world for centuries. Color and uniformity is excellent, with a high gloss finish. Dimensions are approximate due to the fact that these are handmade beads. Available in black (001), white (026), red (081), corn yellow (144), yellow (146), green (218), turquoise (240), & royal blue (260).
Item No. Size
711-0107-*** 5x7mm
711-0109-*** 7x9mm
711-0112-*** 10x12mm
711-0114-*** 10x14mm
Reg.
$0.69/E
$0.79/E
$0.89/E
$0.99/E
SALE
$0.55/E $0.50/E (10+)
$0.63/E $0.57/E (10+)
$0.71/E $0.64/E (10+)
$0.79/E $0.71/E (10+)
Large Smooth Dentalium
Excellent looking tusk-like dentalium. All shells have been culled to fit within the 1.5"-2" size. Perfect for chokers, regalia jewelry, and dance adornments. Absolutely the best and most consistent dentalium we have had in stock.
Item No. 2526-002-026
$9.50/100 $86.00/1000
Straight Polished
Cow Horns 13"-20"
Straight Polished Cow Horns are excellent for making cups and boxes, flattening into sheets, etc. As they are often hard to find, we select these from our regular Polished Single Horns and our Scrimshaw Horns for those of you needing this type. Although not always available, we try to keep some in stock and will try to select them to meet your needs as to length and color. Size ranges from approximately 13” to 20”.
Item No. 1912-001-399
$15.00 Each
This is the finest nylon thread available for beadwork and sewing garments. It is not recommended for warp threads in loomwork, but works well if pre-stretched before starting. Excellent for weft threads. Will not rot and is extremely strong.
Item No. Size
5025-011-026 A
5025-016-026 B
5025-017-026 D
Yards
3,000
2,330
1,585
EACH Each (5+)
$29.50 $26.75
$29.50 $26.75
$29.50 $26.75
Announcing LaMaster Arms' First Auction
LaMaster Arms invites you to take part in its first Auction. The Auction will begin March 20th and concludes on April 6th. Follow the link button below, for information about auction highlights (video) and instructions for how to register. The auction will take place on Proxibid.

Meet Brian LaMaster: Master Gunsmith, Craftsman, & Artist
Brian LaMaster is a master gunsmith, craftsman, and artist. He handcrafts early rifles and fowlers, offers fine restorations, and is an expert in Kentucky rifle styles. An appraiser, consultant, advisor, restorer, creator, and historian, Brian’s knowledge, experience, and work is highly valued.

His work has been showcased in multiple books and articles. He’s spoken to fellow gunsmiths, enthusiasts and experts at Dixon’s Gun Fair, the Kentucky Rifle Association, Sons of the American Revolution, and more. He built rifles used in the 1991 film, Last of the Mohicans. Past president of the Kentucky Rifle Association and Kentucky Rifle Foundation, he has been a lifelong student of Kentucky rifle styles. Because of his expertise, many collectors seek his assistance to establish regions and makers of manufacture and for restoration analysis—and his knowledge regarding gun, era, age and rarity makes him a valued and knowledgeable appraiser.
The Beads That Did Not Buy
Manhattan Island
By Peter Francis, Jr. | Commentary by Crazy Crow
Photo Credit: Alfred Fredericks, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As history would have you believe, Peter Minuit stepped off a ship from Holland, called the Indians together, and for the paltry sum of $24 worth of beads and assorted gew-gaws purchased the island of Manhattan, closing the “greatest real estate deal in history.”

The story of the purchase of Manhattan is one of the most contentious and oft-disputed stories in American history. That modest sale has gone down in history as the biggest swindle ever perpetrated. The fabled exchange has been dissected and reexamined with the weak hope of proving it a myth. Some people just dismiss the event out of hand, claiming that the infamous exchange never took place at all. The deal seems so unfair, some parties have even suggested that the island be returned to the “original” owners. But what may be the most surprising fact about the whole transaction is that in 1626, and for a long time afterward, both parties were very happy with it. (Raden 2015)

We are pleased to present this Peter Francis, Jr. article in its entirety, along with introductory research by Crazy Crow. Peter Francis, Jr. (1945-2002), was a world-renowned bead scholar who was dubbed by the New York Times as the “world’s leading authority onbeads.” Read this article, along with The Venetian Bead Story, and we think you’ll know why they titled him so.
Catalog 38
for 2023
Working on Catalog 39

166 full-color pages
Over 150 new items

Be sure to get
your copy.
TODAY!