Stampede Cords, are you man enough to wear a bonnet string?

[James Hunt]

Let me begin this topic by saying that what we do is a hobby, there need be no blood shed on this topic. That said let me poke a stick in the eye of a delicate subject.

I wore my mounted shooting hat, the one with the dandy $29 stampede string, at the convention and noted that many, many other fella's were wearing their's also, and I was consumed by guilt. You see fellow Michigan NCOWS member Montery Jack Brass and I have come to strongly believe that NO SUCH THING EXISTED IN THE 19th CENTURY! There it is out, I feel better now.

Let me explain...., there is no period term "stampede cord or stampede string" that we can find anywhere in the literature of the period. No one we have talked to can seem to say when the term appeared. But it seems to be a 20th century term.

What we are referring to by a stampede cord is the braided horsehair, or whatever attachment to a hat that secures it to the head and then hangs down nearly to the belt buckle and often ends with a loose horsehair pretty dangling on the end. Corral West and every other western store sell's em. Let me categorically state that it is our position that no such thing existed in the 19th century.

Yes there was a string attachment that was apparently used. We have found two references in the literature.

Taken from "I see by your outfit", by Lindmier and Mount:

"Some Cowboy's used a leather thong which passed around the base of the crown and under the chin to keep the wind from blowing away their hats" John R Huhges, an early 1880's cowboy commented that the use of two "bucskin strings" to secure the cowboy's broad brim hat was common. However, the authors then go on to say, maybe in Montana but they could find no images of Wyoming cowboys using them.

Even so, this refers to two buckskin strings, and not a braided, decorative stampede cord.

Further from: The Unconventional History of Civilization on the Old-Time Cattle Range, by Philip Ashton Rollins (1869-1950), published 1936
"Around the crown (of the hat), just above the brim and for the purpose of regulating the fitn of the hat , ran a belt which was adjustable as to length" we are all aware of images of that, it secures the hat but it is not a stampede string. The author continues -

"from either side of the brim at its inner edge, depended a buckskin thong; these two thongs, sometimes known as 'BONNET STRINGS' (my emphasis) being tied together and so forming a guard, which during rapid riding or in windy weather was pushed under the base of the skull, but which at other times was thrust inside the hat" This sounds familiar with two buckskin strings, but it sounds as if the author is describing it use on the (rear) base of the skull like a drill sergents hat.

These are the only two references that we have of "strings" attaching the hat to the head. Let me restate, after looking a many, many images from the period we have none, NONE which shows an anglo wearing anything similar to a modern stampede cord. What about Californios or Vaquero's? I still don't see any from the period wearing anything like a stampede cord. Certainly no anglo's (which most of us portray).

What do they wear?


This image purportedly shows a sombero dating from the 1880's - note the buckskin thong tied beneath the chin.

Purportedly a charro circa 1885 - it looks as if he has both a stiff military like leather strap and a string tied beneath his chin.

Look closely, is that it leather string coming from the small crowned short brimmed hat?
All of the above are from the 19th century. What about the early 20th century?

This is date 1915 and he is a rodeo star of the period.

Movie actor wearing two buckskin thongs date 1917

Famous rodeo star Praire Rose dated 1920 (don't laugh that babe competed when they rode the same stock as the men, horse, rope, and probably pistol - she would have outcowboyed us all)

But nowhere is there a stampede cord, they may not have existed even in the early 20th century. I have looked thru 'Cowboys" by John Eggen showing a Colorado trail drive circa 1903 - not a single string, certainly no stampede strings. I have looked thru 'Cowboy's on the Green River" by Lozier and Platts circa 1918 - not a single string, certainly no stampede cord.  Brass and I have looked at many, many images from the 19th century and we can find NO anglo cowboy's wearing anything remotely resembling a stampede cord, and bucksing thongs are VERY, VERY rare.
At the convention someone brought up the fact that Russell, a montana cowboy, painted some on his cowboys. Perhaps, but in a very common photo showing Russell on the range in the 19th century he clearly was not wearing any cord or string. I would submit that by the time Russell was making those famous paintings - early 20th century - he may have been catering to what his audiecne expected. But if stampede cords were there - why are they not discussed. There should be one image of an anglo cowboy wearing one. And, we have found none.

So what does this mean for NCOWS folks?

Brass and I submit:

For the general NCOWS membership - Stampede Cords should perhaps be placed in the ranks of the Ruger Vaquero. Sorta looks like something that might have been worn but has huge structural differences. May be grandfathered in since they have been allowed, and by golly folks have put down their $20 and nobody told them they couldn't wear them.

Further - the term stampede cord or stampede string didn't exist in our period. So if you are wearing a dandy "stampede cord" you better get used to hearing "Hey Phil, that is an awfully FANCY bonnet string you're wearing there!" We should quite using the term!

For authenticity - and here is where we kick a couple of fellow Originals right in the groin, you better start thinking of a documented source for that stampede cord you got from Wild West Mercantile cause we don't think it's gonna fly - we don't think it ever existed. If you gotta tie your hat down, it better be with some BONNET STRINGS.

There, we have nailed our thesis to the cathedral door. We are now moving to high ground, digging a couple of rifle pits, spreading our cartridges out before us, tightning our bonnet strings, and awaiting the assualt.

[James Hunt]

Oh, here is another - in fact none other than King Fisher killed in a gun fight in 1884. Looks like a buckskin thong to me. I can't imagine King Fischer wearing a ribbon.

[Delmonico]

I've been saying that for quite some time.  

[James Hunt]

Oh, I guess I'm not done yet. Let us look at the practicality if not the safety of a stampede cord. I know from mounted shooting that you better be tucking that thing in your shirt or you'll be getting the thing caught up in your gun or reins for sure, of course I don't and on occasion get it caught up in my gun and reins which probably explains why I'm still a level one shooter after two years. But what about roping, try handling reins and a rope with that string swinging around in front of you. Further, the thing is just a pain in the neck when walking around, that is why you swing it to your back - course it gets caught on stuff there also. Further if left untied and hanging down it can get caught on your horn, or something or someone your riding past and hang you.

Once during the run down of a mounted shoot I had my stampede cord tied firmly in place, as I approached the last balloon going as fast as I could go my hat blew down in front of my face and now was secured there by my stampede cord, reins in one hand gun in another with one shot to go and the fence rapidly arriving in my front and blind as a bat - don't you know I wish my hat had simply blown off. Worse there was a big crowd, I simply emtied my gun and started to slow down and turn my horse - I heard the crowd gasp and I thought "this is it" and was expecting to go flying over a fence at any moment. I finally pulled my horse up and pushed my hat off my face, the crowd was cheering! I had by chance hit that last balloon.

Oh well, the point is maybe stampede cords didn't exist because it was not practical, in fact maybe a bit dangerous. However, a bonnet string served the purpose and then being soft buckskin could be tucked under the easily when not needed so that no one would know you were wearing a bonnet string!

[Delmonico]

Them holes in yer brim also let the rain run down the string and inta yer ears.

[Pony Edwards]

Great Post!!!
Thank you for the well thought out, informative, articulate and educational experience.  You've given me a treat.

Thanks Again

Pony Edwards

[St. George]

I invite your attention to an earlier post on this very subject - found in the back pages and with period photos and  commentary.

It's on Page 10 - dated April 8, 2006.

Maybe we can continue to beat this dead horse after folks look at the photos...


Re: Stampede strings
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2006, 11:15:37 PM »     

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The so-called 'Stampede String's 'original' name was 'barbiquejo' - and that translates to  'chin strap'.

First worn on sombreros by hands making the early trail drives up from the Bravo - they found favor throughout the West - but weren't confined to one locale.

They would be made in thin, braided leather as well as horsehair - sometimes featuring tassels - sometimes finished 'plain'.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Smokey Three Toes]

So it comes down to can ya wear em or not???

  Smokey Three Toes

[Delmonico]

As a lot of things it seems to always come back to that term "common useage" perhaps it's time a good defination of the term was adopted, or maybe not. because it could eliminate some items most if not all hold near and dear to them.   Maybe we need to take every item used and give it "common useage" points, say one out of a thousand  or one out of a hundred and only that amount can use it.  

[St. George]

In reviewing the period photos - they 'were' there - but I'd say that your Impression should have some 'reason' for you to be wearing one.

They have a heavy Mexican influence and so, a Southwest background probably makes more sense than does one from the Powder River country.

The visible ones don't seem to be quite as decorative as the ones currently available - but photo resolution may prove to show more.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[James Hunt]

St. George: I beg to differ, this horse may be down with a little cholic but I submit that it is very much alive, otherwise there would not have been some of those dandy looking stampede cords on fella's at the convention, myself included, and an argument made that they existed.

I did look up that thread of April 2006. Whew, the way I thought you were headed I expected to find an image of somebody in their buckaroo finest complete with stampede cord holding up a sales recent from Tonto Rim dated 1872.

I was even surprised to find that I had put in my 2 cents, fortunately I was consistent with my current position.

Indeed their are some good images provided by OCB, my favorite of which is Joe Cheesman:



who is wearing his bonnet string as described by Rollins above.

So are we on the same page here? Is there any argument that for those interested in portraying an authentic anglo character who might have desired to secure his hat to his head would have:

1/ never described it as a stampede cord, stampede string, or stampede anything. But rather a thong, or bonnet string, or OCB states he has a source for hat string. That then is what we should describe what we are wearing.

2/ never have worn a braided fancy cord that hung to the belt buckle as none can be documented to have existed in the 19th century (and perhaps not until well into the 20th century) to be worn by an anglo cowboy or plainsman (and perhaps even a californio or charro) of the period.

3/ worn a buckskin or ribbon strip - perhpas braided horsehair but I have yet to see an image that absolutely confirms that - that he would most likely stick inside his hat when not is use (who wanted their bonnet string to show when stolling with a tough crowd thru town).

4/ that when considering either period photo's and/or written description, the wearing of even a bonnet string may have well been regional, certainly rare, and under no circustande similar to that worn by the Lone Ranger. Their use by anglo's of the plains from texas to the canadian border is infrequent if one considers all period photos of horsemen - there must be hundreds of photos failing to show bonnet strings for everyone where one can be found. If common they should be frequently seen, and they are not. they must be considered uncommon. And in fact their uncommon use continues to this day - even amongst the buckaroo crowd of working cowboys.

and finally if we want an accurate portrayal - and I understand that their are some that don't wish to go that deep - we should absolutely avoid stampede strings or cords and use of the term.

If we all agree, then it can become a dead horse, once again.

[Lone Gunman]

My favorite remains:

[St. George]

Well, now...

I have no idea where or when the  'barbiquejo'  or 'bonnet string' turned into the 'stampede string' - but I'm pretty certain that:

'Barbiquejo' was too difficult to pronounce.

'Bonnet String' seemed just 'wrong' somehow - moreso after 'Brokeback Mountain' was released, causing a desire to wear wristwatches on top of 'Bonnet Strings'...

As to whether the thing was braided - I think that 'some' were.

The Cowboy was good with his hands and minor leatherwork and whittling were two pastimes many enjoyed - that, and the Southwestern Cowboy had those big Trade Fairs down around Chihuahua and Sonora - and liked to spend his money on interesting things.

There were always the prison-made horsehair hatbands and bridles - so something similar was probably a likely product - made for tobacco money.

But I feel that they're more regional than anything - and that region was the American Southwest.

You don't see them up North - or if you do - the photgraphy's not clear enough.

That's why my suggestion to the wearer is that he has a backstory that includes time spent along the Mexican border, in order for it to have 'relevance' to his Impression.

You're right - most won't feel that way - but for those that take the real history seriously - then that's what they'll need to do.

And they'll need to use it's name, and not 'stampede string' - but then if they're that serious - they'll already know that...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Books OToole]

How about a ribbon sized buckskin strip attached to the sweat band on either side of the hat.  In fair weather these are tucked into the hat (crown) and brought down and tied beneath the chin in windy weather.  This explains why the don't show in photos. (Not much wind in a photo studio)

Books
(I aint a cowboy, therefore I have no need for such things.)

['Monterrey' Jack Brass]

All,

Just wanted to add to this string (of e-mails, not buckskin thongs...!) that, as Delmonico stated, punching holes in one's hat was tampering with the function of a very important item. I cannot imagine that this would have been something appealing to a person who required and used a quality hat daily. Also, if using light buckskin strings, they can be attached through a hat's inner light leather band passing between it and the body of the hat thereby not requiring holes punched through an area of the brim where leaks during a rain would be very inconvenient and somewhat defeat the purpose of having a hat under such conditions. If such a light buckskin string were tucked away inside the hat behind the sweatband they would not affect how a hat fit by bulk or taking up a lot of space either.

Also, the fact that the term 'bonnet strings' was used to describe tese ligt buckskin strings, as stated by Rollins, imparts a feminine slant toward having such items on a hat. Women's dress had employed the use of ties for years but the fashion of men had not. Perhaps one can take from this, and the fact that Rollins states when not in use they were tucked up unseen under the hat when not needed, that the idear of having them or seeing them was, perhaps, seen as unmanly - could be the case in the Victorian society of the time. Trying to look at this topic through the eyes of a person living at that time is not easy. This is especially true as we're polluted with pervasive hollywood history, but, with some thought using a Victorian historicism point of view it makes sense regarding the possibility that 'bonnet strings' on the hat were seen as being of a feminine (even though perhaps practical) nature. Those were different times.

So, to wear them or not to wear them?

Regarding the fancy type from old west clothiers & etc that have no known provenance of historical accuracy I should think not wearing them is the best option. Until there is some qantity of documentation regarding these items as-sold by said suppliers they remain a figment of dubious western clothing items better relegated to the rubbish heap of hollywood history.

Regarding thin strings of buckskin that nobody can see unless you're employing them in a strong wind or hard ride? Documentation so far states that you can, in fact, confidently have such 'bonnet strings' on your chappeau with documentation supporting you. But, and just as important as Books pointed out, verify that your impression even requires employing bonnet strings at al - if you don't need the functionality of buckskin bonnet strings as described above, even though they are documented as period-correct, they would still be incorrect to have on your hat.

YMH&OS,

'Monterrey' J. Brass
the Association

[Delmonico]

Look at the stiching of the sweat band to the hat on a good quality hat, anything more than a thin thread will tear the stiching and cause the sweat band to part company from the hat in a short time.  Many modern tie downs use a very small cotter pin between the stiching and then opened.  But this is modern.

I meet very few working cowboys who wear one to this day, however proper hat fit is important to them.  Here is a thread on how to do this.

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,11542.0.html

I do this for folks all the time in the store because I am the best in the store at it.

One will notice that many of the period working hats are floppy and lack the crispness that a stiffened dress hat has.  Good beaver and/or other good fur in the felt allows this and still keep some shape, wool will not with out plenty of stiffener.

However in my reading of accounts of many of the old timers who wrote them down, you will find referance to tieing them on in bad wind by using the bandanna over the top, it don't help the look of the brim, but it works.  And this is not a problem on a work hat.  As for photos, I doubt anyone would PAY for a photo from a pro with his hat tied on that way.

I have searched for at least 5 years for a string on a Northern Plains cowboy, so far nothing.

['Monterrey' Jack Brass]

I'll endeavor to pass a thin (wettened) buckskin string between the sweatband and body of my hat and report-out how it works. The stitching is close but it can work. If mine were not a good hat ('Boss of the Plains' repo from Clearwater) I daresay that it would, indeed, be tight. Since the sweatband is hand-whip stitched into place it has enough gap to work. If it were machine sewn then I fear that might not be the case.

[Ottawa Creek Bill]

Well..........
Since our first go round on this topic last year....I've personally done away with the new fancy stampede string(s) on my hats and now they look more like the one that the Apache Alchesay is wearing in the photo that LG posted here.

I think they were regional and  something (as St. George has said) used in the southwest by Mexicans and Indians.........  I do have some documentation calling them  "Bonnet Strings". This term goes back before the Civil War....I'll see if I can find it and post it here.....

Sorry I haven't been around much but I have been building a new horse barn (30' X 40' ), and getting things ready for our booth at the NRA convention in April.

Still haven't found anything concrete to document the the Gus Crease....though....

Bill 

[Silver Creek Slim]

However in my reading of accounts of many of the old timers who wrote them down, you will find referance to tieing them on in bad wind by using the bandanna over the top, it don't help the look of the brim, but it works.  And this is not a problem on a work hat.  As for photos, I doubt anyone would PAY for a photo from a pro with his hat tied on that way.

A lot of the Western movies from Hollywood are filled with historical inaccuracy, but sometimes they do get somethings correct. There is a scene in "The Searchers" where the "posse" is out looking for the girls and are flanked by Indians. Ward Bond proceeds to put his bandanna over the crown of his high hat and under his chin before they try to outrun the Indians. Below is a picture of him from the movie sans bandanna.

Slim

[Lone Gunman]

I happened across this painting by Alfred Jacob Miller. Miller was hired by British Capt William Stewart to capture images of their exploration of the west in 1837. Miller's paintings were done from original sketches he made during that expedition. He died in 1874.  This is named "Pierre and the Buffalo", it doesn't elaborate on whether Pierre is the man or the horse but the horse seems to be getting the worst of the deal.  Note the bonnet strings on the man's hat.