Collectors Corner

COLLECTORS CORNER

by Jim Olson

The Allure of Prison-Made

Many are drawn to collect items made by prisoners. Why is there such an allure with collecting these items? What makes them collectible? What is the story behind those who made them?

Prison-made items have been on collector’s lists for a very long time. For example, starting way back in the 1890s, Frank Conley, the warden at Deer Lodge, Montana created various programs in order to keep inmates busy. He believed it would keep them out of trouble. Deer Lodge Montana’s horsehair braiding program was one of the best known and popular inmate programs of its kind, and people collect bridles made at Deer Lodge (and many other prisons) to this day. Canon City, Colorado was another prison that had a bridle making program, except they were also one of the few prisons who had a metal shop. Consequently, they became know for making bits and spurs (along with horsehair bridles) and their bits and spurs are now some of the most prized possessions in many collector’s possession. Over the years, various prisons became known for producing different items.

But why collect them? One common reason heard is that folks are amazed at someone taking the time to build such an item by hand, using crude tools, and have it come out as good as it does. Since prisoners obviously have plenty of time on their hands, they tend to be very patient and take their time when making these crafts. Similar perhaps to what attracted us to Native American made crafts in the beginning. An appreciation for the time it takes and the fact that their tools and conditions may not have been the best, yet they were able to turn out a quality product, usually of much better quality than a mass produced piece of similar use.

Other reasons given range from being charitable (supporting someone who may not be in the best of circumstances) to the allure of it being made by an individual who does not conform to normal societal standards, yet has an artistic side about them. I once heard a guy say while holding a pair of prison made spurs, “Just imagine, the S.O.B. who made these spurs also killed someone.” One thing is for certain though, by buying the crafts, it helps to fund a portion of their rehabilitation.

So what makes them collectible? The same thing that makes anything collectible, I suppose. Desirability, rarity and condition. Somebody wants Walla Walla prison-made bridle them, they are in limited supply and remain in good condition after all these it is a brand they are familiar with. Maybe years. That is what makes anything collect- they were told when they were young that a ible when you get right down to it, but prison made horsehair bridle is the best prison-made items seem to reach a whole money can buy and they won’t buy anything other category of collectors. I know several else to this day, as a result of that thought people who collect nothing but prison-made taking hold in their mind. Other reasons bits or spurs, etc. Who knows why this is? might be monetary. Prison-made collectibles The reasons are likely as varied as the collec- cover a wide range of prices that can fit most tors themselves. collector’s budgets.

Perhaps it is the intrigue about the men But as mentioned, the reasons vary greatly who made them? At some time or another, as to why we collect prison-made items. we have all probably known someone who Perhaps you have your own reason? We spent time in prison. A lot of them may have even seemed like pretty good folks. Others who are incarcerated are just down right would love to hear from you. Happy collecting! ▫ scary and we’re glad they are there. Maybe it’s the fact that this person who obviously had enough troubles to be locked up, also has an artistic side to them and can create works of art without the aide of using the best tools or having the best situation. Even a great Native Warrior like Geronimo turned to making trinkets once locked up by the Government. People flocked to buy something he had made. I guess the contrast between being a fierce warrior and an artist was intriguing.

Besides the quality and intrigue, could it be the brand? I know guys who will not drive anything but a Ford, for no other reason than that is what their daddy drove and their daddy’s daddy drove, etc. There are folks out there who will just buy certain items because

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