Angus Walters and the Bluenose, part of Canadian sports history

The famous Nova Scotia schooner Bluenose by Knickle Studios

Welcome to my new blog!

Sometimes my shop sells unusual items with some interesting history.... Here is the first. (It sold as I prepared this. I hope the new owner loves it as much as I do.)

This framed nautical photo I obtained at an estate auction. I knew little about it.

It turns out that this wall hanging is an iconic signed photograph. It depicts the Canadian schooner "Bluenose." Photographed by the venerable John Knickle's studio, the schooner is in full sail... "Bluenose by the wind."

This nautical wall hanging is a piece of history. According to Wikipedia, the "Bluenose was a fishing and racing gaff rig schooner built in 1921 in Nova Scotia, Canada. A celebrated racing ship and fishing vessel, Bluenose under the command of Angus Walters became a provincial icon for Nova Scotia and an important Canadian symbol in the 1930's, serving as a working vessel until she was wrecked in 1946."

The Bluenose has been celebrated by three Canadian postage stamps, the Canadian dime, even Nova Scotia's license plate. More information about the iconic schooner Bluenose. Here is yet more history about the Bluenose.

This particular photograph has a larger space on the bottom. It was inscribed “to Harold and Juanita, Angus J Walters, Master Bluenose" "August 29, '55." Here is Angus Walters' biography.

Canada's Sports Hall of Fame held its opening ceremonies on August 24, 1955. Bluenose and her captain, Angus Walters, were inducted into the newly inaugurated Canadian Sports Hall of Fame at that time... This photo is dated August 29, 1955, just a few days after the official hall of fame opened.

Signed photo for sale in my Etsy shop

The "Harold and Juanita" are a bit of a mystery. I believe that this was a presentation piece from Angus Walters to the man who was instrumental in starting Canada's sports hall of fame. He was known as Harry Price.

Here is more information about Harry I Price's contribution to the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. This has some further data about Lieutenant Henry Isaac 'Harry' Price. This is interesting background information about Henry Isaac Price's parents and childhood home in Leslieville. He came from a noted family of brickmakers and the house was a stop on the Underground Railway.

The photograph for sale is signed “J E Knickle" (initials also impressed into bottom right corner).  More about the photographer.

Bluenose photo inscribed by Angus Walters, Master

This wall hanging measures 12-3/4" wide by 11-5/8" high. It is in nice previously owned condition with some yellowing to the mat and a couple of dings to the wooden frame. And six brown dots on the bottom left corner of the signed area.

Additional research... Here are some samples of Angus Walters' signature over the years (he was 74 when he signed this piece).

A signed cover (envelope).

From 1921, the Bluenose documents.

A signed book about the Bluenose that sold.

Close up of the Bluenose Schooner in full sail

Lupines in bloom photographed this week on nearby Prince Edward Island