Quote Originally Posted by Ozark Ridge Rider View Post
From the color (and I assume it is oiled and/or stained a bit) it looks to be Maclura pomifera, commonly known as Osage Orange, Bois d'arc, or just Hedge apple. The heartwood is yellow when cut but ages (or stains) a beautiful rich red brown. It is very strong and about as tough and durable as any wood. Native Americans used it for bows, hence the other name.

In the 19th century, it was planted extensively for fences, and when kept sheared and trimmed, was a formidable barrier. When let go, however, these trees get large, and I have trees in old hedgerows that are more than 2' in diameter and over 100' high.

I think I'll make one myself. Topped with an antler burl it should work well.
Probably is that one, though I think there are a couple others of the same family, common in western PA. I did stain it as best I could, (didn't really take stain at all) and a couple coats of danish oil. Not quite as light as the colapsible aluminum ones, but a bit more handsome.