GAME BIRD PRINTS BY J.L. RIDGWAY AND W.B. GILLETTE
The Dowitcher - Macrorhamphus Griseus. Circa 1896-1909
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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.
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.
Each print is made to order—not pulled from warehouse inventory. Your print begins its journey to you with the care it deserves.
We print on Hahnemühle German Etching paper. The mill has been operating since 1584—four centuries producing paper with pure water from their own wells at the same location in Germany. Galleries worldwide choose this paper. European houses of nobility have coveted it for generations.
This is traditional mould-made copperplate printing paper. Pick it up and you feel the difference immediately—an extraordinary velvety texture, a fine felt structure that signals quality before you even look at the image. The surface does something remarkable to prints: it gives them depth, a three-dimensional quality that flat paper cannot achieve. Blacks go deeper. Contrasts sharpen. Colors reproduce with precision. The paper is acid-free and lignin-free, built to resist age the way museum pieces do.
We use Epson SureColor fine art printers with archival pigment inks independently certified for 100+ years. The colors remain vibrant through multiple generations.
These choices aren't about specifications. They're about keeping a promise: prints carrying genuine heritage must be built to honor what they carry.
Each framed print is made to order—not pulled from warehouse inventory. Your frame begins its journey in Vermont, built specifically for your print.
You've selected an exceptional piece of artwork. To ensure it presents in the manner that it deserves, we've carefully curated a complete frame package built to museum standards.
The frame comes from Vermont Hardwoods—a small family-run wood products firm in Chester, Vermont committed to excellence. They supply custom frame shops, galleries, and museums—not mass-market retailers. The people who frame irreplaceable things buy from the same place we do. Solid ash. Locally sourced logs, milled in their own facility. Hoffmann dovetail joinery with no visible fasteners.
Choose from three finishes: Satin Black—a thin rubbing paint that allows the ash grain to show through, beautiful in a quiet, elegant way. White—an opaque finish that beautifully highlights and shows the ash grain. Natural—light and bright with the sheerest of satin sheen, showing the wood in its natural state. Solid wood frames are meant to complement the artwork, not compete with it.
Behind the acrylic—Tru Vue Conservation Clear, the same glazing trusted by the world's most renowned museums. Tested for 100+ years. Ninety-nine percent UV protection. Shatter resistant for safe shipping and display.
Acid-free matting. Archival backing. Hanging wire installed—ready to display the day it arrives.
The frame doesn't compete with the print. It serves the print. It ensures the whisper endures.
Our journey begins in the Buffalo River Library, housed on our Middle Tennessee farm where original prints, rare publications, and historical documents spark the stories behind our collections. As we sit by the fireplace with bourbon in hand, these genuine artifacts reveal narratives waiting to be shared—from a dachshund's spirited adventures across 1896 sporting scenes to the cultural heritage captured in century-old illustrations.
Many Heritage Prints originate from pieces we personally own and preserve in our library—original copies of historical publications where these images first appeared, complete with the patina and character that only time creates. When completing collections requires works beyond our library, we collaborate with institutions including the Library of Congress, U.S. National Park Service, The National Agricultural Library - USDA, U.S. National Archives, National Sporting Library & Museum, universities, private institutions, and private collectors who share our commitment to preserving American heritage.
Whether working from our own collection or partnering with these prestigious institutions, our approach remains unchanged: we honor the authentic character of historical materials through careful digital archival processes that preserve every imperfection, every yellowed edge, every mark time has left. These aren't sanitized reproductions—they're windows to genuine moments in American history, transformed into museum-quality prints that will whisper their stories from your walls for generations to come.
Every Heritage Print arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity that documents its provenance and connects your print to the historical artifact that inspired it. Printed on the same premium Hahnemühle 310gsm German Etching paper as your print, each certificate includes detailed archival information: the source institution (whether Buffalo River Co Library or our partner archives), original artist, year of creation, publication details, and specific archival references.
Your certificate bears a holographic security sticker with a unique identification number—a mark of individual attention in an era of mass production. Each is personally signed by a Buffalo River Co officer, adding human accountability to the documentation chain from original artifact to your wall.
The certificate's "Story Behind the Artwork" section captures the historical context and cultural significance of your print, enabling you to share these narratives with family and friends. This isn't merely purchase documentation—it's a legacy piece that travels with your print through generations, maintaining the provenance story long after the transaction is forgotten.
In a world where authenticity is increasingly difficult to verify, your Certificate of Authenticity provides tangible proof of genuine heritage, carefully preserved and thoughtfully documented.
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 print on Hahnemühle German Etching paper. The mill has been operating since 1584—four centuries producing paper with pure water from their own wells at the same location in Germany. Galleries worldwide choose this paper. This is traditional mould-made copperplate printing paper with an extraordinary velvety texture and fine felt structure that signals quality before you even look at the image.
We use Epson SureColor fine art printers with archival pigment inks independently certified for 100+ years. The colors remain vibrant through multiple generations.
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 a small family-run Vermont woodworking firm committed to excellence. They supply custom frame shops, galleries, and museums—not mass-market retailers.
Each framed print includes:
- Your chosen Fine Art Giclée Print
- Solid wood ash frame
- Premium acrylic conservation glazing
- Acid-free matting to protect your print
- Backing board and dust cover
- Hanging wire installed
Choose from three finishes:
- Satin Black — a thin rubbing paint that allows the ash grain to show through, beautiful in a quiet, elegant way
- White — an opaque finish that beautifully highlights and shows the ash grain
- Natural — light and bright with the sheerest of satin sheen, showing the wood in its natural state
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.