Sevan John Guedry - Batson, Hardin Co. Texas Horsehead Fiddle

Seven John Guedry with a Horsehead fiddle that he carved
Seven John Guedry with a Horsehead fiddle that he carved
JULY 1938: This fiddle was constructed entirely of bone. A shank bone was used for the neck and a slab of bone for the fingerboard. The front of this unusual instrument is made from the head of a horse named OUT-LAW BLACK . Due to the thick eradication all wild stock had to be caught. This horse was caught after several hard chases, was crippled and soon died. The back of the fiddle is the head of RUNNING DUN a faithful cowpony who had the reputation of always caring his rider to victory. The tail piece of the fiddle and the piece to which it fastens are made from horn. The bridge and keys are made from bone. The tools used in the construction were: a hacksaw, a pocket knife and a file.
We do not hesitate to say that this fiddle, as far as is known, is the only one of its kind in existence. There is no other made from this particular material or in this particular style. Therefore the Guedry family, from the oldest to the youngest, are all very proud of this old piece of art. It portrays so vividly the personality of SEVAN GUEDRY . He liked to make things; odd things, funny things and hard to make things which seem to offer a challenge to him. He was also known for his ability to repair violins and did many repairs. He enjoyed playing a fiddle and played it well along with his brothers and cousins. He had the distinction of being one of the very few left-handed people who played a violin with strings set up for a right-handed musician. This fiddle can be played and was tested over the air (radio station in Port Arthur, TX) by a well-known musician who is a nephew of Sevan.
On August 24, 1948 this picture was made at a cowboy reunion given at the Abshire Ranch located about eighteen miles north of Liberty, Texas. The picture was made by John Abshire. At the cowboy reunion there were fifty-one of the old cowboys present. The day was spent reminiscencing of the days that they knew would never return.
By A. J. Guedry from the Beaumont Enterprise newspaper (Beaumont, TX)
Article provided by Ann Guedry Melear of Lafayette, LA