Looking for authentic designs for shovels and wheelbarrows

[davelotter]

I am interested in manufacturing quality Confederate Army standard wheelbarrows and shovels. Longer term, I plan to go railroads and telegraphs. Any helpful advice here is appreciated. I plan to make shovels in Maryland and Wheelbarrows in El Paso, TX.

I am a black suit type with light army credentials. . .

David Lotter

[JohnTaylorCW]

Re: Looking for authentic designs for shovels and wheelbarrows

?

I don't know if these are "confederate" pattern or not, but Rick Bailey posted this on the old forum (from the Russel and Erwin Catalogue 1865):

[Jimmayo]

Re: Looking for authentic designs for shovels and wheelbarrows

I doubt there was a difference in shovels and picks between CS and US forces. Havn't noticed any differences on dug parts. I have some period digging tools shown on this page that may help you out. Sorry I can't help you on the wheelbarrels but look at period photos. I remember seeing some in those.

http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/j_mayo/tools/tools.html

[Drygoods]

Re: Looking for authentic designs for shovels and wheelbarrows

Greetings,
I thought that perhaps you should start studying images of CA gold rush for ideas of period shovels and wheelbarrows. You would think that since I participate in this era, gold rush, I would be able to think of tons of sites, but can't at this early moment. However, I do know that many images of the 1850s show men wearing work clothing with their tools. I'd take a look at the images from the Oakland CA museum, they have a fine collection as does the Sacramento museum. In any case, it was just a thought that jumped to mind.
Good luck
Judith Peebles

[Spinster]

Re: Looking for authentic designs for shovels and wheelbarrows

When you've sucessfully implemented phase I and are ready to go on to phase II (telegraphs), drop me a line--I know a gentleman who has a working period telegraph, and he can operate it off the period correct open jars of battery acid (yikes!!!) or from his safer set up for school programs--a hidden modern battery, with the jars filled only with colored seltzer water.

And when you get the shovels made, I'm certainly a potential customer......

[davelotter]

Re: Looking for authentic designs for shovels and wheelbarrows

It will take about 12 months to implement a shovel schematic with durable craftsmanship - if all goes well. . . But if I can get a light production line then I will contact you about orders.

Telegraphs and railroads are more ambitous. . .

Dave Lotter

When you've sucessfully implemented phase I and are ready to go on to phase II (telegraphs), drop me a line--I know a gentleman who has a working period telegraph, and he can operate it off the period correct open jars of battery acid (yikes!!!) or from his safer set up for school programs--a hidden modern battery, with the jars filled only with colored seltzer water.

And when you get the shovels made, I'm certainly a potential customer......

[davelotter]

Re: Looking for authentic designs for shovels and wheelbarrows

Thanks for the link and the help here. I may have more questions on this matter at a later time.

Dave Lotter

I doubt there was a difference in shovels and picks between CS and US forces. Havn't noticed any differences on dug parts. I have some period digging tools shown on this page that may help you out. Sorry I can't help you on the wheelbarrels but look at period photos. I remember seeing some in those.

http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/j_mayo/tools/tools.html