​

Our Reproductions

Many of the reproductions offered are direct copies of original items that have been found in a New France context or are very similar.  We keep a small, but growing archive of original objects for research study and future projects.  A personal goal of Philippe's is to recreate items that have a direct relevance to the 1750's Kaskaskia area in the Illinois Country of New France.  However, due to a limited number of known items attributed to that geographic area, our inventory and interests span the entirety of the New France colonies and the 17th and 18th centuries.  

On occasion, a "creative endeavor" will be undertaken and offered.  This approach is not a copy of an original artifact, but may be a combination of, or interpretation of artifacts completed in a historic style.  In other words, it is artwork that is not a reproduction, but will adhere to a period style and materials.  Our descriptions will be straightforward if it is "historically inspired".  

Every effort is made to use the same materials as were used and available in the past.  However, if a material is unsafe or poses a health risk, a suitable substitute will be used.  For example, our "lead" crucifixes are created with lead-free pewter.  

Merci for your interest in our products.  It is a labor of love and we are always honored to find that someone is using one of our items in their historic endeavors!  

About "Philippe Robert"

From some of the westernmost areas of New France in the mid-1700s comes a collection of reproductions and creative projects inspired by careful research and pride in addressing the finest details.  

Philippe Robert represents a 1750's "habitant", which is a farmer and settler in France's holdings in the New World.  The specific location of Philippe's farm and workshop is at the French village of Kaskaskia in the Illinois Country.  Here, he raises wheat for shipment to the King's posts along the Mississippi River and to New Orleans.  When it is not the growing season, he immerses himself into the world of making material goods and trade among his fellow habitants.  

In 21st Century life, Philippe is Phil Hamil.  Phil is a proud father, husband and educator in an elementary school in the St. Louis Metro area of Southern Illinois.  He enjoys researching and creating when not spending time with family.  

Follow Phil's blog about his journey in research-based reenacting here:  
Recreating the French Habitant in the Illinois Country​