Name/Title
Hardy Draughon Scratch BoxEntry/Object ID
VTC001A0005Description
Scratch boxes were being used through the 1800s by turkey hunters, but Hardy Draughon received U.S. Patent #651,752 on June 12, 1900, for his “Bird Call." Thus, his call became the first patented scratch box. As quoted from the 2026 book The Origin and Evolution of Turkey Calls by Rogers, Ellis, McDonald & Powell, "The patent....details a hollow box with a soundboard in which a 'piece of slate or other material is drawn across the thin edge of the sounding-board…and the true note of the wild turkey may thus be imitated.” Gunstocks were sanded and used to scrape the lip of the scratch box across. In any case, scratch boxes and suction calls dominated much of the attention of turkey hunters during the 1800s, as can be seen in the advertisements and stories from many period sporting journals. This call still bears traces of the original ink stamp applied by Draughon to show his patent date and number.Collection
Danny Ellis CollectionCataloged By
Brent RogersCondition
Overall Condition
FairDate Examined
Feb 1, 2026Created By
Brent@awthf.orgCreate Date
February 1, 2026Updated By
Brent@awthf.orgUpdate Date
February 1, 2026
