MULE EARS ON BOOTS

[c.o.jones]

I NEED SERIOUS AUTHENTICATION FOR MULE EARS..........THANK YOU

[Books OToole]

I NEED SERIOUS AUTHENTICATION FOR MULE EARS..........THANK YOU

Preferably to the years 1886-87.


Books

[Mad_Dog]

I NEED SERIOUS AUTHENTICATION FOR MULE EARS..........THANK YOU

I'm fairly certain mules have always had ears, but I'm afraid I can offer no documentation to back that up!

-Mad Dog

(sorry, couldn't resist!)

[Pancho Peacemaker]

http://www.antiquearmsamericainc.com/

Look under "Western Leather", bout 1/2 down the page.

You might email the owner and see how strong the provenance is for their claim on date of origination.

[Johnny McCrae]

This might be a bit off of the topic.  I really like the mule ears on my boots for helping me put the boots on but don't like em' flopping around when I move. After I get em' on, I tuck the mule ears in.

[Pancho Peacemaker]

This might be a bit off of the topic.  I really like the mule ears on my boots for helping me put the boots on but don't like em' flopping around when I move. After I get em' on, I tuck the mule ears in.

I do the same.

[Cutter Carl]

I have the loops on the top of the boots and use boot hooks to help pull them on. 

Most period boots had sewn loops at the top and not mule ears. 

[Delmonico]

Most period boots had sewn loops at the top and not mule ears. 

I think that is the key here, I've seen at least a couple pictures of mule ear boots that the picture was listed as being from the period.  How ever checking through my files at home I have no copy. 

[Rebel Dave]

All the Mule ear boots Ive seen are mexican made.

Rebel Dave

[c.o.jones]

THANK YOU PONCHO FOR AN INTELLIGENT RESPONSE...........I AM STILL LOOKING FOR PROOF.

[Books OToole]

All the Mule ear boots Ive seen are mexican made.

Rebel Dave

That would be great, as the character spent time in Mexico (1865-67).

Books

[Pancho Peacemaker]

THANK YOU PONCHO FOR AN INTELLIGENT RESPONSE...........I AM STILL LOOKING FOR PROOF.

C.O.:  some more evidence that will need some secondary research.

Leander McNelly served in the Texas Rangers in the 1870's.  Here's his bio:

http://www.texasranger.org/halloffame/McNelly_Leander.htm

Famed historic artist Joe Grandee was commissioned to do a portrait of him in 1972 for the White House.  The picture hung in the East Wing.  If you dig a little about Grandee, he was known for very complete research on the subjects of his paintings.  Here's his portrait of Ranger McNelly:



Also, I picked up this 1882 photo of Ranger Co. F from the Texas Ranger Museum.  Take a close look at the boots on the Ranger marked #9.  There is some leather looping at the cuff of his boot that may be a "mule ear" tab.

[Books OToole]

Pancho;

That is a great portrait of McNelly.  Are prints available?

Books

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Pancho;

That is a great portrait of McNelly.  Are prints available?

Books

I tend to buy my art on the cheap, so I look on eBay.  Do a search or Joe Grandee.  Theres usually a dozen or so prints for sale.  You might also check the Cowboy Museum in Ok City.  They have a very large collection of Grandee originals and likely sell prints too.

[c.o.jones]

PANCHO, I THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR DILIGENCE ON THIS PROJECT...........BEST REGARDS.

[Pancho Peacemaker]

PANCHO, I THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR DILIGENCE ON THIS PROJECT...........BEST REGARDS.

No problem.  I am home sick to day.  Need to keep my mind busy or I get stir crazy.