Susa (S.) Jackson Pushpin Turkey Call

Object/Artifact

-

Wild Turkey Archives

A turkey call with the red ink stamp that appears to be "S. Jackson"

A turkey call with the red ink stamp that appears to be "S. Jackson"

Name/Title

Susa (S.) Jackson Pushpin Turkey Call

Entry/Object ID

VTC001A0010

Description

Turkey callmakers and hunters are forever seeking a better advantage to use in turkey hunting. A significant advance was made on March 27, 1923, by Virginian John E. Jackson (1876-1941) when he patented the first pushpin-style call. He was issued U.S. Patent #1,449,756 for a “sounding device." As revealed in the 2026 book The Origin and Evolution of Turkey Calls by Rogers, Ellis, McDonald & Powell, Jackson and his wife, Sue (or Susa) of Carson, VA, were listed as “Negro race." The ability to use one hand for operation was a significant advance for friction calls. We have an example of a call that appears to be stamped “S. Jackson.” It is presumed that Susa Jackson made these calls. Its red ink stamp reads “S. Jackson Turkey Call Patent No. 1449756.” These calls are made in a similar (smaller) size and shape to those stamped by J.E. Jackson. They are more reminiscent of the later Chalkley pushpins; e.g., Chalkley would purchase rights to the Jackson patent and continue making the calls. In any case, a female turkey callmaker in the early 1900s is a great piece of history to recognize and celebrate.

Collection

Rick Powell Collection

Cataloged By

Brent Rogers

Condition

Overall Condition

Fair

Date Examined

Feb 1, 2026

Created By

Brent@awthf.org

Create Date

February 1, 2026

Updated By

Brent@awthf.org

Update Date

February 1, 2026