Sporting Art Appraisal

Pair of Vintage Wooden Snowshoes

A pair of traditional wooden snowshoes with rawhide lacing. Each snowshoe features a curved, oval-shaped frame constructed from light-colored wood, likely ash or birch. The frames are held together and reinforced with cross-bars. The lacing, or webbing, is made from intricate patterns of what appears to be rawhide or gut, providing the surface area for flotation on snow. A leather binding system is present on each snowshoe, secured to the frame and webbing with metal buckles and leather straps. These bindings appear to be designed to accommodate a variety of boot sizes. A visible label or tag is attached to the front crossbar of each snowshoe, suggesting a manufacturer or model name. The wood frames show a warm, aged patina, with some areas of wear and possibly minor scuffs consistent with use or age. The lacing is generally intact, although some areas may exhibit darkening or minor fraying. The leather bindings show signs of creasing and wear, but appear functional. Overall, the snowshoes exhibit a vintage appearance and appear well-crafted, indicative of a product intended for actual use rather than purely decorative purposes. The construction suggests a reliable and durable design suitable for traversing snowy terrain.