GAME BIRD PRINTS BY J.L. RIDGWAY AND W.B. GILLETTE

Wilson's or English Snipe - Gallinago Media Wilsoni. Circa 1896-1909

Delicate vintage bird illustrations from Game Birds and Fishes of North America, illustrated by the American scientific illustrator, John L. Ridgway (1859-1947) and the Canadian illustrator, William B. Gillette (1864-1937).

 

Ridgway was an American Scientific Illustrator who is well known for his chromolithographic plates of birds and eggs within The Fish and Game of the State of New York: Forest, Fish and Game Commission works between 1896 and 1909.

 

Gillette was a noted watercolorist, especially noted for depictions of game birds and fish from the New York area. His work was published within The Fish and Game of the State of New York: Forest, Fish and Game Commission works between 1896 and 1909.

 

A selection of Ridgway and Gillette’s game bird illustrations from prior Forest, Fish and Game Commission efforts was incorporated into the 1913 Portfolio of Game Birds and Fishes of North America, published by The University Society. New York.

 

The portfolio is a most attractive presentation of 40 chromolithographic plate prints with 20 prints of birds by artists J.L. Ridgway and W.B. Gillette plus 20 prints of fish by artist Sherman Foote Denton plus

 

An original 1913 portfolio of all 40 prints can be found in the Buffalo River Co library.

 

We have archivally scanned all 40 prints (20 fish and 20 birds) in the original portfolio.

 

Our digital archivist has lightly restored and enhanced the images in preparation for printing your Giclee print order.  We print the entire image as it was created many years ago. That means we also reproduce the artworks aged patina, subtle imperfections, and signs of aging.

$50.00
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  • Orders $75.00 and over – FREE SHIPPING.
  • Orders $74.99 and under – $7.50 Shipping

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Heritage Prints FAQ

Heritage Prints preserves America's visual history through museum-quality reproductions of rare historical prints. We carefully restore and reproduce prints from the historic Buffalo River Library collection and other prestigious institutions, maintaining their authentic character while making them accessible to contemporary homes.

Each print carries forward its own journey - not a mass-produced replica but a faithful representation of American moments captured in time. From sporting life to rural traditions, these prints connect today's homes to authentic American experiences.

Our Heritage Prints honor the time-worn character that only decades can create. We preserve the yellowed paper patina, subtle corner creases, and marks and thumbtack holes where these pieces once hung - all elements that give historical prints their authentic voice.

Unlike typical reproductions that sanitize imperfections, we deliberately maintain these marks of time. The subtle aging, texture variations, and authentic patina make each Heritage Print a window to America's past rather than just a picture on your wall.

Each Heritage Print is made to order, ensuring exceptional detail and lasting beauty. Your museum-quality Giclée print arrives with a certificate of authenticity and origin story, connecting you to its unique heritage.

We use Hahnemühle fine art paper, an ultra premium 310gsm German Etching – 100% α-cellulose paper with a distinct textured surface. Its premium matt inkjet coating meets the highest industry standards for density, color gamut, and image sharpness while preserving the feel of genuine art paper.

Our premium water-based inks produce colors independently verified to last 100+ years when displayed properly.

Art that doesn't cost the earth. We believe heritage should be preserved in ways that
protect our future as well as our past. Our commitment includes:

  • Water-based inks with no harmful solvents
  • Premium papers from sustainable managed forests
  • Recycled packaging materials
  • Partnerships with local, family-owned businesses who share our values

We begin with authentic historical prints from our Buffalo River Library and collaborate with museums and prestigious institutions to obtain archival scans. Our careful restoration maintains each piece's essence - enhancing visibility while preserving the authentic aged character that makes these prints special.

Our Heritage Prints look and feel like discovering an original in a vintage store - with time-earned patina that can't be manufactured. We print the entire image as it was created many years ago, preserving the artwork's character, imperfections, and signs of its journey through time.

Our framed prints feature sustainably sourced frames made from 100% solid Ash wood by a family-owned Vermont business. They handle everything from local log sourcing to custom frame production.

Frame specifications:

  • 0.75-inch face
  • 1.5-inch depth
  • Acrylic conservation glazing
  • Acid-free backing paper
  • 100% archival matboard
  • Hanging wire installed

Our acrylic conservation glazing offers advantages over glass:

  • Optical clarity
  • Shatterproof protection
  • Lightweight design
  • Safe for all environments

Note: This information applies only to Framed Prints.

Our eCommerce for Good Heritage Print Collection turns stories into action with 50% of each print's purchase price going directly to worthy causes. When you bring one of these prints home, you're connecting to American heritage while supporting community causes that matter.

Domestic Shipping via UPS Ground or USPS

  • Free shipping on orders over $75.00
  • $7.50 shipping for orders under $75.00

Shipping Time

All Heritage Prints are made to order:

  • Unframed prints: Approximately 1-2 weeks
  • Framed prints: Approximately 2-3 weeks

Packaging

Depending on the print size, we ship in:

  • Rigid spiral-wound cardboard tubes
  • Postal envelopes
  • Corrugated cardboard boxes or envelopes made from recycled materials

International Shipping

Currently, we do not ship outside the U.S.

Return Policy

We accept returns of unframed prints within 30 days of purchase

Framed prints cannot be returned

Returned prints must be in new condition and in original packaging

Email info@buffaloriver.co with your order # for return authorization

Returns without authorization may not be accepted

If your order arrives damaged, email info@buffaloriver.co with photos for a
replacement.

Next: Game Bird Prints by J.L. Ridgway and W.B. Gillette | Woodcock – Philohela Minor. Circa 1896-1909
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Next: Game Bird Prints by J.L. Ridgway and W.B. Gillette | Woodcock – Philohela Minor. Circa 1896-1909