Cigar Box Limberjack Toys by Wade Costenbader

Article, photos and video by Wade Costenbader of Victory Guitar Pickups.  You can find more of his instruments and videos at Wade on Cigar Box Nation.  

I believe limberjacks go way back to Europe, probably Irish or Celtic. The limberjacks I am most familiar with are Appalachian style... jointed, wood carved toys that bounce on what is called a paddle board.

Video: Limberjacks from Alan Lomax's "Appalachian Journey" documentary

A person would sit on this stiff, thin paddle board and hold the Limberjack with a long stick that was attached to the back of the figure. The person would then tap the board to make the Limberjack dance and make a percussive sound that could accompany musicians.

I used to make this style when I took my guitars to shows and it really helped draw in the crowd. I was looking at a pile of small cigar boxes a few weeks ago and thought," these would make a cool stage for my limberjacks." From there I thought, why not make the Limberjack dance without a stick running out the limberjacks back. Add a little more mystique!

I must admit just like building CBG's,they are addictive to build, but even more so to play with. It is difficult to walk past without giving the limberjacks a few turns.

I spent a crazy amount of time just scratching my head and figuring out the workings, At this point they take about 10-15 hours from concept to completion. I don't plan on making two that are alike.

 

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Morris on July 6, 2017 at 12:23pm

Most Excellent!!

Permalink Reply by Jim_N on July 6, 2017 at 2:39pm

Very cool, and what a great gift for kids. I can see these becoming family heirlooms.

Permalink Reply by Wade on July 9, 2017 at 1:15pm
Permalink Reply by David Sutton on July 18, 2017 at 12:37am

These are brilliant, Wade. Nice work. Thanks for sharing them here.

Permalink Reply by Wade on July 26, 2017 at 1:23pm
Thank you David. They are fun to create!
Permalink Reply by T-Gripped on July 18, 2017 at 1:11am

Makes me smile! Well done and thanks for sharing!!

Permalink Reply by Wade on July 26, 2017 at 1:25pm
Thanks T!
Permalink Reply by Wade on July 18, 2017 at 3:57am
Some folks asked for the link if I were to sell my limberjacks.
So, here's the link:

Victory Dancing Moonshiner Jig Doll Limberjack 2017
https://reverb.com/item/6036985-victory-dancing-moonshiner-jig-doll...

Thanks,

Wade
Permalink Reply by Wade on July 18, 2017 at 3:58am
Permalink Reply by Dave Lynas on July 25, 2017 at 11:18pm
Now I'm hooked. Thanks, I think?
Permalink Reply by Dave Lynas on July 25, 2017 at 11:24pm
What does the inside of the box look like? You worked it out perfect Wade. Fun stuff!
Permalink Reply by Wade on July 26, 2017 at 1:24pm
Dave, I added some details on the Limberjack page.

-Wads

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