Conrad A. Mahr, started flying homing pigeons in 1886. His first club was a “family club” made up of Conrad and several of his schoolmates. One of these schoolmates had a cousin (Mr. Bond) who kept homing pigeons and who was moving out of the area. It was decided that the loft and birds would be moved to the schoolmate’s house.
Conrad and his friend got a horse and wagon and moved the loft and birds. For his labor, Conrad received some homing pigeons, including “137 Trenton” out of an old imported pair (blue bar cock and red slate hen) of the Gus Offerman Strain. This pair had won for Offerman, in 1881, 1st and 2nd National in the most prestigious long distance race (550 miles) of all Europe at that time.
The Offerman Strain was basically a cross of the birds of an Irish flyer named McCluthian with the birds of Henri Soffle. The strain of Henri Soffle was founded on birds of Baron Ulen, the fancier credited with having formed the first reliable strain of racing pigeons derived from other varieties of pigeons (The Liege, the Antwerp, the Brussels, etc.). The McCluthian birds were descendents of “ship birds”. These ship birds; were used by captains sailing the channel ports, to relay messages to the owners about when the boats would be docking and the extent of the cargo carried. As a side note: the Hansenne strain also had the ship birds in their background.
Dear Don,
Just sending a gift for my appreciation for getting such nice Sion birds from you. When I get some youngsters from them, I will send you some photos. I am still planning on purchase another hen and cock. Have a good breeding season with your birds.
Received birds this morning here in Missouri. They are safe and both beautiful.
Beautiful female pigeon. Lovely mix of colors, fether quality and great posture. I figured her picture wasn't the best pose. The male is impressive and very masculine looking and I'm happy to say they are calm and get along very well together. Thanks again they are gorgeous....
The birds arrived today got them all tucked in the loft. You saved the best for last I think there nice birds ,,only sorry I didn't buy a couple of the other hens. Thanks alot
Hello. I received the birds today they look great. Thank you very much.
The Hen is here! Awesome bird & I can feel the power just holding her. She is very calm pigeon & that is always a plus. Thanks so much!
Hi this is Nate from Wisconsin. I just wanted to let you know the Andalusian cockbird made it here in good shape today. Thanks again!
Hi Don, birds are adapting well. I like their presentaion & calmness. Looks like they will fit in with my birds. I see what you mean about the BB. We'll see how he produces. Might b a genetic thing & go away when crossed with and unrelated hen.
Regards
Jim
Halo! Just picked up bird from post office. Thank you very much!
Thank you very much for your attention. the pigeons are beautiful and eat well. Im recommending your pigeons to my friends. I hope to buy more pigeons from you in the future. Thank you.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
The Alexander Hansenne is indeed a remarkable Racing Pigeon Strain. Dr Willaim Anderson in his book "The Sport of Racing Pigeons" 1947 writes extensively about this outstanding Fancier. I luck to have an original copy of the book. Need i say i myself have of the Bronze chequers in my stock loft Well wishes to you
