FLY FISHING PRINTS
Plate J - Lake Flies. Orvis Favorite Flies. Circa 1892
- Orders $75.00 and over – FREE SHIPPING.
- Orders $74.99 and under – $7.50 Shipping
LAKE FLIES. PLATE J.
Oquossoc, Klammath, No Name, New Lake, Tomah Jo, Prince Edward.
Favorite Flies and their Histories (1892) by Mary Orvis Marbury.
Mary, daughter of Charles Orvis, founder of the Orvis fishing tackle company, produced one of American fishing literature's milestone volumes, Favorite Flies and Their Histories in 1892. The book not only served generations as the bible of fly patterns but further strengthened the Orvis Company's reputation for expertise and reliability.
Favorite Flies was the first encyclopedia of American (as opposed to British) patterns. The book became a best seller upon its publication in 1892 and subsequently went through nine printings by 1896. The book contains 32 colored illustrations of 290 variations. It is one of the earliest works to use chromolithography, a method for making multi-color prints. The legacy of Mary Orvis Marbury, through her book and her leadership in Orvis's commercial fly-tying operation, is the standardization of American fly patterns.
Today, a fly-tier and fisherman with nostalgic inclination will take pleasure in duplicating and testing the old patterns.
Mary Orvis Marbury was born in Manchester, VT in 1856. At her father’s encouragement, she served an apprenticeship under an expert fly-tier. In 1876, she assumed responsibility at the astonishing age of 20 for fly production for the Orvis company in 1876. She hired, trained and supervised 5-7 local Manchester, VT women in the craft and production of the Orvis flies.
Managing the Orvis company's fly-tying department, Mary recognized how little standardization there was among fly patterns and how that created a problem for customers whose expectations of ordered flies would differ from what they would receive. She became inspired to set pen to paper and rectify that problem.
Mary Orvis Marbury’s role in the book was more than that of an editor or collaborator. In 1890, Mary sent to 200 seasoned anglers throughout the United States letters with specific questions about their favorite flies and how they use them. Their answers were compiled into the book and combined with beautiful illustrations released two years later.
Upon the publication of her book, she remarked that she took satisfaction in the more humble mission of recording what is accomplished by others.
An original 1892 edition of the book Favorite Flies and their Histories by Mary Orvis Marbury can be found in the Buffalo River Co library.
We have archivally scanned the 32 color chromolithographic plate prints found in the book. 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.
Our Giclee prints are created to look like the original, as if you wandered into a vintage store and saw it hanging on the wall with an aged patina that only the vestige of time can impart … so that their timeless essence is evoked for display in your home, office, mountain cabin, or lake house.
Our digital archivists have breathed new life into Homer's original wood engraving. Carefully scanned from the pristine copy found in the Buffalo River Co library, the print preserves every nuanced line and subtle imperfection. The result is more than a reproduction—it's a time capsule, transporting viewers to a moment when the American Chestnut was not just a tree, but a symbol of resilience and abundance.
Each Giclée print is crafted to museum standards, using archival pigments and premium German etching paper. More than a piece of art, it's a testament to ecological memory and hope. We print the entire image as it was created, reproducing the artwork's aged patina, subtle imperfections, and signs of aging. The result is a Giclée print that looks as if you've discovered a treasured vintage piece—evoking the timeless essence of America during the time of the American Chestnut.
Each fine art print is made to order, ensuring exceptional detail and lasting beauty. Your museum-quality Giclée print arrives with a certificate of authenticity and history, connecting you to its unique story and the American Chestnut Heritage.
What Are Heritage Prints?
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.
What makes Heritage Prints unique?
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.
For walls that whisper history. 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.
What collections are available?
We curate our prints into distinct collections, each telling a unique American story:
A sample of our collections include:
- Recreation Magazine's - Adventure Dog: 12 Months 12 Tales Series The 1896 gentleman sportsman and his adventure dog across twelve monthly sporting pursuits
- American Chestnut Tree Collection Historical prints documenting the once-dominant American Chestnut tree
- Additional themed collections: Each centered around specific aspects of authentic American experiences
- All Heritage Print collections can be found here: All Heritage Prints Collections
What is eCommerce for Good?
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.
Current collections include the American Chestnut eCommerce for Good Collection, where 50% of each print's purchase price supports efforts to restore these magnificent trees to their native range.
Are Heritage Prints Museum & Archival Quality?
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 history, 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.
For Walls that Whisper History, How are Heritage Prints Created?
We begin with authentic historical prints, maps, books and photographs that are stored or hang in our Buffalo River Library. To augment our collection with unique American Story's, we collaborate with museums and prestigious institutions to obtain archival scans of historical pieces. Our careful restoration process maintains each piece's essence - enhancing visibility while preserving the authentic aged character that makes these prints special.
Our Hahnemühle fine art paper and premium archival inks produce results that pass every museum standard, ensuring your Heritage Print maintains its beauty and historical authenticity for generations.
What Sizes are Available?
Heritage Prints are available in multiple size options to fit your space and display preferences. Each collection may offer different sizes based on the original print dimensions. Check individual product pages for specific size options available for that collection.
Are Heritage Prints Eco-Friendly?
Heritage Prints are conscious of environmental impact:
- Made to Order: We print only what's ordered, eliminating waste from unsold inventory
- Premium Materials: Hahnemühle paper uses sustainable α cellulose sourced from responsibly managed forests
- Water-Based Inks: Our archival inks contain no harmful solvents
- Sustainable Packaging: We use recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible
What Frame Options are Available?
We offer premium solid wood frames from Minnesota-based Larson-Juhl, a family-owned company since 1954. Each handcrafted frame includes:
- Premium acrylic conservation glazing
- Acid-free matting to protect your print
- Backing board and dust cover
- Hanging wire installed
Choose from three classic finishes:
- Black
- White
- Natural Ash
Why use acrylic glazing instead of glass?
Our acrylic conservation glazing offers advantages over glass:
- Optical clarity equivalent to museum-quality glass
- Shatterproof protection for safer shipping and handling
- Significantly lighter weight for easier hanging
- Safe for all environments, including homes with children
- UV protection to help preserve your print's colors
How should I care for my Heritage Print?
To ensure your Heritage Print maintains its beauty for generations:
- Location: Display your print away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time. Avoid areas with high humidity like bathrooms.
- Handling: When handling unframed prints, wash hands first or wear cotton gloves. Handle prints by the edges to avoid finger oils on the print surface.
- Cleaning: For framed prints, occasionally dust the frame with a soft, dry cloth. Never spray cleaners directly on frames or glazing.
- Hanging: Use appropriate hardware rated for the weight of your framed print. For the most secure installation, locate wall studs or use drywall anchors.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Never clean the print surface itself. If your print requires cleaning, consult a professional art conservator.
What is the best way to display Heritage Prints?
Heritage Prints act as a prompt for great conversations and when hung in the right place, provide walls that whisper history.
Heritage Prints create the most impact when:
- Grouped in collections that tell a cohesive story
- Displayed at eye level (approximately 60" from floor to center of print)
- Placed where natural light can highlight the texture without direct sun exposure
- Arranged where they can become the prompt to conversations – the dining room, kitchen, study, great room in your cabin, bar, family room … or the spot where your family and friends gather and share life's best experiences.
For the 1896 Recreation Magazine Collection – Adventure Dog: Twelve Months, Twelve Tales consider displaying all twelve months in a grid or linear arrangement to showcase the year-long journey of the gentleman sportsman and his adventure dog.
What does the Certificate of Authenticity include?
Each Heritage Print arrives with a numbered certificate that documents its authenticity and heritage story. These certificates will include some or all of the following as it is known:
- The historical context and origin of the print
- Details about the original artist when known
- The specific heritage story the print represents
- Technical information about the reproduction process
- A unique serial number for your specific print
This certificate not only validates your print's authenticity but serves as an informative companion piece that enhances the story behind your purchase.
What is the Buffalo River Library?
The Buffalo River Library is a real place located on our Middle Tennessee farm. It houses our collection of original prints, rare books, maps, photographs and historical documents that are our muse and inspiration as we sit at the fireplace, bourbon in hand and stories on our mind.
Within the library, some prints hang on our walls, but because we have more prints than wall space, many prints along with books, maps and photographs are stored in archival boxes. Each item in our collection has its own history and serves as inspiration for our Heritage Prints.
When we reference a source from our library, it represents a genuine historical artifact in our collection—such as our original copy of the October 29, 1870 edition of Every Saturday: An Illustrated Journal of Choice Reading where Winslow Homer's Chestnutting was first published.
For collections where we don't possess the original materials, we collaborate with prestigious institutions to license and obtain archival images of compelling American heritage works. This approach ensures all our Heritage Prints maintain the authentic character and stories that make them special and the purchase worthy.
How are Heritage Prints Shipped?
Domestic Shipping via UPS Ground or USPS
- Free shipping on orders over $75.00
- $7.50 shipping for orders under $75.00
We ship Heritage Prints to all 50 United States. Currently, we do not ship internationally.
How are Heritage Prints packaged for shipping?
We take exceptional care in packaging your Heritage Prints:
Unframed Prints: Carefully placed in a protective sleeve along with the accompanying Certificate of Authenticity and History and shipped flat in reinforced cardboard packaging.
Framed Prints: Certificate of Authenticity and History along with the framed print is wrapped in bubble wrap, secured with corner protectors, and placed in custom sized boxes with ample cushioning materials.
All packaging materials are selected with sustainability in mind, using recycled content whenever possible.
How long will shipping take for my Heritage Prints to arrive?
All Heritage Prints are made to order:
- Unframed prints: Approximately 3-5 business days
- Framed prints: Approximately 5-7 business days
After production, standard shipping times are:
- East Coast: 2-4 business days
- Central US: 3-5 business days
- West Coast: 4-7 business days
- Hawaii and Alaska longer
These times may vary seasonally, especially during holiday periods.
What is Your Heritage Prints Return Policy?
Note that the intentional preservation of historical character (yellowed paper patina, subtle creases, etc.) is part of what makes our prints unique, not a flaw, and not a reason for return. Please review pictures of prints in detail before making a purchase.
- We accept returns of Unframed Prints within 30 days of purchase
- Framed prints cannot be returned due to their custom nature
- 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.