Bryce Workman posting on AC forum

[NJ Sekela]

Friends:

In reply to the inquiry on Bryce Workman, I wanted to offer the following information. The information on the site was in essence correct, as he was partners of sorts with Fred Gaede. They were, unquestionably, pioneers in accurate reproductions, and have set a level that is very hard to match. They carried outstanding tinware by the former Tinsmith of Harper's Ferry, Roy Daniels, including the mucket with original cast ears (which I had reproduced). Roy Daniels later moved to Maine and passed away.

It really seemed to be a result of a curious nature of following up leads, coupled with pefectionism. The original grey blanket that they produced was based on the Danish Exchange blanket. The story goes, that Fred Gaede had asked several pages worth of technical questions on the blanket, which the museum either couldn't answer or didn't want to bother. Instead, they simply went to the drawer, pulled out the original blanket and cut a swatch and mailed it to him!

Those guys were absolutely amazing craftsmen, at a time when M-1 garands were still being used at Civil War reenactments!

This is the original paperwork supporting the grey blankets that they produced. (I was fortunate to get one of each blanket that they produced, prying one of the grey ones from the kung-fu grip of Dave Jurgella).





This is Fred Gaede's explanation for much of the blanket work.



Please note that I had to split this into two parts, as there is a 4 image limit to each posting! I hope that someone might be kind enough to give the AC forum a helping hand and post the link to this information!

I am, &c,

NJ Sekela,
Manf'r.
N.Jers'y.

http://www.carterandjasper.com
http://www.ejtsutler.com
http://www.skilletlicker.com

[NJ Sekela]

Friends:

To continue the above discussion:

There were ones in the lot that had very cool weaving flaws in them, which gave them such a character, that it is hard to describe. This is the swatch of the tan blanket that they also produced.


This is the data sheet for their North Carolina Blanket

They also produced amazing button boards, which were marked 'NHS", for National Historical Services. Theses show up at Relic shows as originals from time to time.


Hoping that the foregoing is of assistance,

I am, &c,

NJ Sekela,
Manf'r.
N.Jers'y.

http://www.carterandjasper.com
http://www.ejtsutler.com
http://www.skilletlicker.com

[VaTrooper]

Great stuff Nick! Thanks for posting.

[NJ Sekela]

One thing that should be mentioned about the run of blankets at that time, is the PRICE!!! $125 at that time was a fortune!!! I remember Hank Kluin stating that one could get an original M1860 cavalry sabre for the same price. If they both appreciated at the same value, you are talking about a $700+ blanket at this point! Frying pans are starting to look pretty good!



Below is one of Roy Daniels amazing cups. He did this back in the 70's, and used old stock of english hot dipped tin. (as a bit of trivia, I remember that he also did a custom hard tack cookie cutter die for Paul Smith)




Time flies!

I am, &c,

NJ Sekela,
Manf'r.
N.Jers'y.

http://www.carterandjasper.com
http://www.skilletlicker.com
http://www.ejtsutler.com

[VaTrooper]

$125 is a good bit of money. I think thats what Charlie Childs is selling his for now. Thanks again Nick.