Frillback
The Frillback pigeon has never been as
beautiful as it is today. The bird with the permanent curl, loved by pigeon
fanciers all over the world, has made great strides of progress in its curl
feather development from its frizzlet look some 150 or more years ago. When
looking back, it's hard to visualize the input of knowledge of breeders to
accomplish the development of a Frillback of such perfection as we see it
today.
The origin of the Frillback is believed to
have come from Asia or the southeast of Europe. As with many other ancient fancy breeds, the exact
origin cannot always be certain.
Please note the picture of Frillbacks
taken from the German Pruetz book in the 1800s. Top bird on shelf, a
bluegrizzle, also note that this bird was completely clean legged in that time
era. Below is a red grizzle, which displays the shell crest and stocking legs.
It was also at that time, the Frillbacks the shell crest and stocking legs. It
was also at that time the Frillbacks were already being bred in Germany as well
in England. The Frillback also went by a variety of names at that time, such as
the lock or curly pigeon, the frizzle pigeon, the pearly or woolen pigeon. Also
it was said that some four variations existed (or types), the Hungarian or
Austrian Frillback and the French or Dutch Frillback.
The wing shield feathers differ in shape
from that of the wing shield feather of normal pigeons (or say all other
pigeons) in that other pigeon shield feathers are rounded and that (the
Frillback, all wing shield feather are with a pointed ending and longish the
longer, the better the curl or frill will be. It was also said that the,
Hungarian and Austrian types had the most pointed and longer feather which made
for a thicker curl. .It therefore is my belief that the picture by Pruetz,
displays the French and Dutch type Frillback, showing it lesser development of
frill.
The above mentioned types of thx time
appeared in plainheads or crested of all colors. Grizzles and pure white were
the most seen but also the shield or saddle marked had already been developed
and mainly seen in red! Legs were either clean legged stockings or muffed.
The picture by Oertel and Spoerei
Reutlingen West Germany shows you the Frillbacks of today. Top left black, blue grizzle, yellow grizzle, red
grizzle, top right, a white crested.
According with today's Standard c
Frillbacks in Germany, it is the white variety that is allowed to come either
plain headed or shell crested and oni the white shell crested to have medium
muff. The white plain heade calls for stockings. Also that a colored varieties
should be plain headed and stockings (no muff development).With
great enjoyment and muc" honor, 1 have passed judgement on th Frillback
pigeon here in the USA fo more than 1 5 years at some o America's leading
shows. 1 myself hav shipped Frillbacks from Germany in 1961 to fanciers in
America. These birds came from the well known German Frillback breeder, Stepfan
Kellermani from Bobingen, Germany. 1 mad, many trips to Mr. Kellermann's lofts
ii the 60s and we would sit in th, backyard watching and talking Frillbacks and
sipping on a glass of his special homemade wine. Not only did we become good
friends, but for me, i was a first class introduction to Frillback knowledge.
In judging and in observing tho
development of the Frillback pigeon in America, it would be safe to say tha the
quality of the Frillback in America.. Is the finest to be found anywhere
American fanciers such as Tom Me Caig and perhaps others should always! be
remembered for the great achieve, merit that they have made in the develop,
merit of Frillback quality to its highest regard.
The American Standard for Frillbacks,
as laid out and adopted by the Central Frillback Club is a most unified and
complete Standard to be found on the Frillback. This Standard does not only
describe the breed itself, but will aid you in so many ways. May it be that of
care or show preparations, also some breeding skills are pointed out, which
matings to make or which not to make, etc. All of this can be so very important
to any fancier that wishes to breed and exhibit Frillbacks. Just to think of
the years back in Europe, only the rich and very wealthy could afford to house
fancy pigeons, such as the Frillbacks, etc. Today everyone can afford them and
of a quality never seen in the old days. The Frillbacks is truly an exhibition
breed and deserves its place in the show room. Showing them off to the public,
washing away the dirty pigeon image in the eye of the public.
Frillbacks
have always reminded me of a strawberry pie with lots of whip- ping cream on
top, truly delightful, fancy and of an unusual good taste.
At our last Grand National held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1 had
the pleasure of judging some 50 beautiful Frillbacks of the Central Frillback
Club. Meric Wood, another great breeder of fine Frillbacks, heads this club.
Another gentleman in the Frillback world is Jim Armstrong. Jirn features an
outstanding monthly column in this APJ called the Frillback Frillies. Many
other fanciers have joined the ranks of the Central Frillback Club, names that
are still rather new to me, but Frillback quality seems to be apparent in the
hands of all of these fanciers. 1 personally would like to thank Merle Wood and
the entire Central Frillback Club, also the National Pigeon Assn.
For combined, they have made it possible in honoring me with the
judge's certification, again my sincere.
thanks goes out to all of you!in my closing 1 would like to
congratulate the
Central Frillback Club and all breeders of the Frillback
pigeon for having
taken up with the Frizzle and with their combined efforts
have made the
Frillback a most beautiful pigeon of all fancy pigeons. May your
efforts
continue and fill the show rooms with the fancy curls of the
Frillies!
