During the first weekend of the fall 2014 shoot, Bill Hoover and his friends did a demonstration of rifling a muzzle loading rifle barrel. While Bill’s rifling machine can cut multiple grooves, today the machine was set up to cut five grooves and a progressive or gain twist. In this set up the twist varied from 1/68” to 1/34” in a 42” barrel.
As we talked, Bill and Philip Iles worked on the machine. Philip would pull the cutter through a groove 10 times. Bill would then re-index the machine and clean the cutter with thread-cutting oil. After the cutter had been through each groove, Bill added a .001” steel shim under the cutter. The process would continue until he reached .006-.007” deep.
Bill’s cutters are made from taps. Since the bore of this barrel is .465″, a cutter made from a 1/2″ tap was used. the result is a groove with a radius that matches the radius of the bore.
Beside Bill’s rifling machine, John Kleihege was reaming a barrel on his machine. He had just finished reaming the rifling from an old rusty barrel. When his barrel was completely smooth, it would be ready for Bill to cut the rifling. The photos here were taken while I talked with Bill as he operated he rifling machine.
A Bucks County rifle and accouterments article has been on my mind for a number of years. The motivation for this came from three different people. First, Samuel Pletcher was my great, great, great grandfather. He lived in Lancaster County until he was about 40, then took his family by wagon to the Howard area in north central Pennsylvania around 1790. I’ve been interested in stories, tools, and possessions that would have been a part of his life.
Gary Brumfield was another influence. Gary was important to me and to others who study flintlocks. One area I appreciated was his knowledge of regional styles. Gary went through some of the factors that assisted in the evolving of these styles. I was intrigued by these factors as they applied to the region of Samuel Pletcher.
Gary , doing a carving demo at Bowling green.
Since the area of interest is SE Pennsylvania, it is probably logical that Allen Martin would play a part in a Bucks County project. Allen is among a very talented group of Pennsylvania gun makers, and one who is widely respected in his study and making of the guns of this area. It would be difficult to mention Bucks Co, Berks Co, or Lehigh Valley guns with out mentioning Allen.
Allen and I have discussed the architecture of these guns at the annual CLA show. I handled a wonderful Bucks County Schimmel and decided to have Allen make one for me. We discussed the typical ageing health and eye problems, and he assured me that the schimmel would meet all my health issues. He was certainly correct.
Allen Martin Schimmel
I received the schimmel at the 2014 Spring Shoot at Friendship. It is a delicate little .40 caliber: long and slim, with wonderful balance. It may not weigh 7 pounds. It is slightly aged, but not distressed. The stock is dark maple with very nice curl. The beauty of this rifle comes from the architecture. As Allen told me, “Architecture is everything.”
The Bucks County Kit now needs a bag and horn. Frank Willis was my next stop. At CLA Frank had an original bag found in lower Bucks County. I bought a copy that Frank made from this original. There are some unique features about this bag, perhaps unique only to the original maker. These features are discussed in Frank’s article.
The old bag and Frank’s copy.
A rifle this fine and a proper original bag needs a proper horn. With many horners at CLA and many horns, the one that caught my eye was at Pete Hutton’s table. Pete makes screw-tip horns of various regional styles. One of the prettiest ones there happened to be a Bucks County screw-tip. I figured it would look just fine with the Martin schimmel and the Willis bag, so it came home with me.
It is worth noting that horners have been studying and making screw-tip horns for many years. It was Art DeCamp who put the information on regional styles together. After years of careful research, he published a book detailing these styles called Pennsylvania “Horns of the Trade” Screw-tip Powder Horns and Their Architecture. It has become the definitive work on Pennsylvania screw-tip horns.
A Bucks County screw tip horn made by Pete Hutton
When I studied the Bucks County section of Art’s book, I looked for the characteristics that Frank incorporated in his screw-tip. Frank’s is quite similar to #36 on page 128-129. Art describes this horn as an early horn, probably Bucks/Chester county just north of Philadelphia. The collar and tip show a Philadelphia influence. Art mentioned that Bucks County horns were “less refined and of a coarser nature than Philadelphia horns.” Frank’s horn, however, is finely finished, second to none in workmanship.
Bucks County Gear: Martin Schimmel, Willis Bag, Hutton Horn
The schimmel, bag, and horn make a great combination. Besides equipping me for Indiana’s squirrel season, it serves as a reminder of three very talented makers whose work deserves recognition. We should also remember the study of Gary Brumfield, Art DeCamp, and many others have advanced our knowledge of Pennsylvania firearms history. I hope you will take the time to explore the links above.
Bucks County Gear: Martin Schimmel, Willis Bag, Hutton Horn #3
The links associated with names in the text above take you to the artist’s page on this site. The links below take you to their own site.
At the 2014 CLA show, Pete Hutton’s table was right in front of you as you walked down the hallway to the first room. Pete’s table was loaded with screw tip horns. I was impressed with the quality. One of the prettiest was a Bucks county screw tip. I ended up buying it to carry with Allen Martin’s schimmel.
I talked with Pete about a web article featuring his horns. We decided to use additional photos that he would provide. Below are photos I received from Pete. There are three photos of each horn: The horn itself, the butt plug, and the tip. First up is the Early Lancaster.
Early Lancaster HornE. Lancaster plugE. Lancaster tip
Next is the York County horn.
York County HornYork plugYork Co. tip
Next the Berks County photos.
Berks Co. HornBerks Co plugBerks Co tip
Next the Early Phily horn.
E. Phily hornE. Phily plugE Phily tip
Next a Southern horn
Southern HornSouthern plug
And the last photo Pete sent was a calfskin bag with a corded strap. The horn is a later Lancaster. Metal furniture is hand made.
I consider Frank Willis one of our premier bag and horn makers. I first met him at the 2013 CLA Show. We were discussing southeastern PA bullet bags. Frank had some great work on his table and helped me to understand a little more how I should select the type of bag I wanted.
In emails this August, Frank mentioned that he might have a bag I might be interested in. He had acquired an original bag found in southern (lower) Bucks County. It was a double bag with the inner panel reversed to place the finished side out. Frank, explained that this made the bag unique and required a different edge stitching. Frank made two copies of the bag, and I bought the second one. The photos below show the original bag and the copy he made for me.
A original bag from lower Bucks County.The old bag and Frank’s copy.
When Frank received the bag he found a small note inside that told about the family who owned it. It was his opinion that the bag had been in the family for a number of generations. While the history of the bag ends here, without proof that it came from the colonial period, all of this made the bag more interesting. Besides the bag above, Frank had more neatly done leather work and some very nice horns. When I admired these, Frank mentioned that he made the prize for the CLA president. I included a photo of it below. It is a magnificent combination.
Frank made this set for the CLA president.
After talking with Frank and seeing his work, I’d recommend his bags and horns to everyone. And, when you see him next, ask him about his most recent bear hunt. I’m sure he will have his story ready.
An Iconic Southern Pistol in the Style of Elisha Bull by Mike Miller
There are some antique flintlock arms that seem to epitomize a genre or “school” as well as capture the personality of the maker and the time and place in which it was created and used. The fine silver mounted “Death or Victory” pistol by Elisha Bull of Tennessee is just such a piece. Well known riflesmith Mike Miller of Paducah, Kentucky has graciously built and donated a near-bench copy of this famous pistol as one of the centerpieces for this year’s CLA live auction.
The pistol is well known and was posted on the Risers’ “Contemporary Makers Blog Spot” in October 2010. The Bulls, along with their in-laws the Beans, were among the best – and best known – of the Tennessee gunmakers of the early 19th century. Their rifles – and their reputation – were carried across the spreading southern frontier from Tennessee to Texas in the early 1800s. The family moved from Maryland to the Tennessee frontier after the Revolution, buying land from famed Captain William Bean in the late 1780s. Elisha was born in what is now Tennessee in 1791. Who he learned gunmaking from is unknown, as a formal master-apprentice relationship among most early mountain gunmakers either went unrecorded or perhaps was even alien to the strong sense of independence of the Scottish and Scots-Irish backcountry settlers. Elisha was joined in Tennessee by his older brother John by 1800, and the two made similar and beautiful rifles and pistols into the second quarter of the 19th century. John married Fetna Bean, sister of famed and ill-tempered gunmaker Russell Bean, continuing the tie between the families. Russell Bean was manufacturing guns for sale as far downriver as New Orleans by the 1790s, so it is highly possible that Elisha learned his trade from the Beans, or perhaps from his brother John if John had worked as a gunmaker in Maryland before rejoining his family in Tennessee as some have speculated. Some of the Bulls’ work strongly resembles the work of the Beans, but regardless of who taught who, in the first quarter of the 19th century the Bulls had developed distinctive styles of graceful architecture, mounts and decorative metalwork. Elisha was in Washington County, Tennessee prior to the War of 1812, and later worked at Bull’s Gap and in Grainger County.
The War of 1812 in the southern backcountry was primarily a war among frontier militia and tribes that either sided the British or the Americans, and the Death or Victory pistol strongly evokes those times. When I first saw it, my primary thought was that it pretty much sums up – without words – everything you would want to convey about what makes so many of these flintlock arms fascinating. It has an elegant simplicity about it – not plain by any means but not gaudy – and a lot of character put there by a maker not bound by the traditions of a conventional school of gunmaking. Several great silver-mounted Tennessee pistols such as this are known to exist by makers including the Bulls, Baxter Bean, and J. Cox, but this Elisha Bull piece is the cream of the crop. Casting silver or brass mounts is a process that is most efficient when working in volume. However, these silver mounted southern pieces demonstrate the mindset of the mountain gunmakers who typically worked in iron mounts – in that on the occasions they chose to make mounts from silver or brass, they were fabricated and hand formed in pieces and joined, in a manner similar to iron mounts – and never cast as was done by English gunsmiths other schools of American gunmaking. While the influence of late 18th century dueling pistols is evident in the hardware forms and features such as the single set trigger and checkering of the grip, the manufacture was adapted to the efficient style and maker’s sense of economy.
The coin silver mounts are decorated in simple yet elegant engraving on the sideplate and triggerguard with the phrases “Liberty” and “Death or Victory” capturing the defiant and patriotic spirit of the era.
This splendid piece is believed by many to be Elisha’s personal sidearm that he made for himself when he served in Captain David Vance’s Company of Bunch’s mounted East Tennessee volunteers from 1812 to 1814. Just as with swords, such personalized arms pistols were often carried and used by militia officers.
Mike Miller is one of the best known contemporary makers working in many schools or styles of southern arms and is well known for his high-quality metal and wood work, producing well-crafted pieces that capture both the elegance and folky grace of the best southern work. He works in all styles of southern rifles from the Shenandoah Valley to the Tennessee mountains and most enjoys working in genres that have not been heavily copied by contemporary makers, such early Carolina Piedmont, Central Kentucky and other styles. He also is one of the few makers out there who offers full custom work such as hand-rifled and profiled barrels and hand-made locks if a customer desires. Mike strives to make each of his pieces unique. So the Bull pistol project is right up his alley. Mike and his art was recently the subject of a feature article in MUZZLELOADER Magazine (May/June 2014)
For this pistol, Mike worked off his own in-hand observation and measurements of the original. He donated and hand profiled, reamed and rifled the swamped barrel to match the original barrel. Mike’s pistol is .43 caliber. Mike also donated a premium piece of maple for the stock and the sterling silver for the mounts which he formed and fabricated by hand. The lock is a one-of-a kind English style lock that was made by Rice as a prototype many years ago, and matches the original lock very closely. Mike donated, modified and hand-tuned the lock to perfection. Mike also hand-made the single set trigger from scratch to exactly duplicate the original. Mike’s decorative skills are evident in the graceful shaping of the stock and elegant yet folky engraving and carving of the grip, in form true to Elisha’s work form 200 years ago. Also, as an owner of Mike’s work, I can tell you that his guns are shooters –his locks are tuned to be among the fastest and he has a great reputation with serious shooters as well as collectors.
Mike’s hard work, skill and generosity offer the chance to own a piece of great contemporary art that faithfully captures the spirit of one of the most significant southern firearms of any era. We appreciate the chance to offer such an exquisite piece at this year’s auction.
This early iron mounted Southern longrifle was created by Marc Tornichio. This rifle is not a copy of any one rifle but incorporates the architecture and features of several early iron mounted rifles of the western Virginia/Carolina Appalachian area from the 1790 to 1810 period. It shows the quality workmanship of a trained and talented gunsmith from 200 years ago or today. Marc says, “The rifle has a lot of characteristics of the GB rifle with a touch of the MESDA gun.” Wallace Gusler published an article on the “GB” rifle titled “A Fine Iron Mounted Rifle” in the September 2004 Muzzle Blasts. Wallace noted the step wrist architecture and fine workmanship, attributing the rifle to southwestern Virginia or eastern Tennessee circa 1790. Another picture of the rifle can be found on page 32 of the July 2012 American Tradition. The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (M.E.S.D.A.) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has another step wrist rifle with iron mountings and carving by an unknown maker often referred to as the MESDA rifle. Pictures of this rifle are published on page 109 of Longrifles of Virginia by James Butler, and on page 43 of the January 2012 American Tradition. This rifle exemplifies the early period of the iron mounted southern rifle, prior to 1810, still showing some Germanic and English details but also the functional elegance of an evolving trans-mountain culture with details like the captured lid iron box.
Rifles like this were carried on the southwestern frontier, by both the frontiersmen and the Indians. In deadly conflicts such as the “Chickamauaga War” between the American settlers, Cherokees, and Creeks, spanning the years after the Revolution and prior to the War of 1812, rifles made by regional gunmakers were carried and used by both sides. For settlers and natives in the mountain backcountry their rifle guns were often their most valuable possessions; sometimes bought at great cost; sometimes bartered for in times of peace; and sometimes taken as a prize of victory. References for this fact can be found as early as 1757. Both Cherokee and Creek chiefs, especially those of mixed Scots and Native American lineage like Bob Benge, William McIntosh, Alexander McGillivray, used these iron mounted rifles with deadly purpose. Scots Irish frontiersmen like the Crocketts, Shelbys, Campbells and McDowells and native allies among the Chickasaw and Choctaw, also used these prized southern black rifles with the same deadly purpose. These elegant and serviceable weapons continued to serve in the War of 1812 and throughout the westward movement from Missouri onto the Rocky Mountains.
Marc’s work in iron is a continuation of a chain of evolution in contemporary gunmaking that began with Hershel House in the 1960s and continues today through gunmakers like Ian Pratt, Mike Miller and Roger Sells, to name only a few. Marc has been influenced both by Ian Pratt and Jim Kibler in his building, craftsmanship and attention to historical detail. The rifle’s 48 caliber custom profiled 46″ swamped barrel by Ed Rayl is a copy of a barrel from an original rifle stamped “GB”. Although not the barrel from the rifle in Wallace Gusler’s Muzzle Blast article this ties in another “GB” gun. It has an English Ketland style lock donated by Jim Chambers and a showy stump curly maple stock donated by Nathan Cox and Pat Harrison of Harrison’s Sawmill . All the forged iron work is masterfully done by Marc. The fully captured lid box with finial piercing has a “GB” inspired outline. The double set triggers are made completely from scratch incorporating details strongly rooted in the southwest Virginia region and used by Jacob Young and others. His stock work on this trim, stepped wrist rifle exemplifies his abilities to transform his research and talents into an outstanding example of an early longrifle.
This is a fine example of the rifles carried on the southeastern frontier. This rifle is another of the great contemporary interpretations of the fascinating schools of gunmaking in western Virginia, North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and across Kentucky. Understanding of these schools is expanding, and they appear to have produced some of the finest longrifles crafted in the South. This rifle ties in as a precursor in style to the Marvin Kemper Lexington rifle featured in the 2013 CLA Fundraising Auction and also the Roger Sells Elisha Bull featured in this years auction. This is a chance to own an excellent example of an impeccably styled and fabricated early iron mounted rifle by Marc Tornichio, a young contemporary gunmaker whose name is becoming more known with each passing year.
Southern Banded Horn with Hand Woven Strap by Ron Hess and Kris Polizzi
This is a Southern style banded horn of the type that would have been carried by militia or volunteers from the southern States in the War of 1812. This charming powder horn has been created by Ron Hess and the fine hand woven strap donated by Kris Polizzi.
Ron lives in Georgia and makes powder horns and other items constructed of horn. He is a member of the Honorable Company of Horners and gives thanks to Art Decamp and Billy Griner for their guidance and knowledge. Researching original works and incorporating those styles and techniques is the focus of his work.
Kris Polizzi lives in Pennsylvania and is also a member of the Honorable Company of Horners. Her woven straps are becoming quite popular in that group for their quality and authenticity.
Ron chose to create a three banded horn with an applied two piece tip. Bands,tip and butt are all attached with locust thorns. The beehive style butt plug and spout plug are from native dogwood. Horn is scraped thin so the owner can check the level of powder when holding it up to the light.
The woven strap created by Kris Polizzi is attached to the horn with multi -color hemp cord and decorative horn beads. I particularly like the subtle coloration of the strap for a woods runners horn.
If a smart bidder were to pick up that Bill Smith double pouch, this Hess – Polizzi horn and strap and the Eitner belt knife they would be well served indeed. And there is plenty of room in there for that Scott Somerville folder.
Ron states “Powder horn was offered to give something back to the CLA and its members. The publications,shows and members are a wealth of knowledge and have provided me a great opportunity to learn.” It also demonstrates the support the CLA receives from the members of the Honorable Company of Horners.
CLA artists Donald and Tina Shaver handcrafted this circa 1810 to 1825 hunting pouch and horn set for the 2014 CLA fundraising auction. The pouch is a classic beaver tail pouch with a carved buffalo powder horn.
Donald Shaver’s interest in American History began during his youth and he started reenacting about 30 years ago through the Boy Scouts. His first period of interpretation was the Rocky Mountain fur trade era of the 1830s, then 15 years ago he met quill worker Shawn Webster who introduced him to the Eastern Woodland Indian culture of the 1700s. As his need for proper research deepened, so did his library – as he light heartedly comments, “Let’s just say my passion for collecting books about the Woodland Indian culture has gotten out of hand.”
After years of study and research, today he portrays the living history persona of an 18th century Woodland Indian. As a result of his devotion to correctly interpreting these native people, he is frequently asked to model for nationally known historical artists. His interests also include blacksmithing and working with horn, especially making powder horns. Don reverted slightly for this beavertail pouch and buffalo horn rig in keeping with this year’s auction theme of change and expansion at the close of the War of 1812.
Don and Tina are repeat auction donors. Donald had this say in 2013 about his donation, “I wanted to donate his pouch and horn set to our fundraising auction to help further the preservation of these skills, and encourage the continued showcasing of the artists.”
For 2014 they have contributed a great beaver tail shaped bag with nicely sculpted buffalo powder horn and 75 grain cane measure. Both the bag and horn have excellent workmanship and style. I think this is a classic early Missouri/rocky mountain style perfect for heading west at the end of the 1812 war. Don and Tina are well known for their work and this pouch and horn are another great example.
You can contact Donald & Tina at:
Donald & Tina Shaver
360 North Murphy
Pahrump NV. 89060
Phone: 702-465-1638
Email: ShaverDonald@hotmail.com
Rich and Jeanne McDonald are well known CLA Artists. Rich and Jeanne have been married over 29 years and live on a small farm in southern Ohio. They are part of the southern Ohio contingent contributing to this auction including Joe Seabolt and Maryellen Pratt.
Rich bought his first muzzleloader at the age of 12 and has been hooked ever since. Rich started forging knives and and tomahawks in 1990 and now does it as a full time occupation He was a farrier for about 20 years before this change. Rich also builds very clean and neat longrifles and fowlers; his iron mounted rifles are remarkable. Rich occasionally does horns and other accoutrements.
Jeanne started making knife sheaths when Rich began making knives. Jeanne expanded into hunting pouches, haversacks, quivers and other muzzleloading accouterments. She especially enjoys weaving and is particularly good at it. Jeanne is the recipient of several Judge’s Choice Awards at Dixon’s Fair. Rich has numerous awards from various shows. Their work is in collections around the globe.
Jeanne McDonald has donated a Southern Mountain bag with classic lines and a woven strap, the workmanship definitely being of the better class of southern bag, then or now. Rich McDonald furnished the knife and the classic accoutrements, a bullet block, and brush, vent pick and measure. The bag is made from bark tanned deerskin and hand sewn with linen thread. The strap she wove of hemp and cotton. She also made the sheath for the knife. Rich made the thin walled 60 grain antler powder measure, the pick and brush set, and the neat fish shaped .50 caliber bullet block. The knife is forged from 1084.
Rich and Jeanne wanted to create a pouch that could have seen service at the Battle of New Orleans and in keeping with that thought Rich engraved the initials M S and 1815 date on the antler handle, perhaps the knife of legendary Kentucky hunter Mike Stevers or maybe Michel Stoner who died that year.
This is a great bag, look closely at photos for the workmanship.
The Stones Trace Tavern is the location of perhaps the best muzzle loading rifle range in northern Indiana.
The historic Stones Trace Tavern is located at the corner of In 5 and US 33 south of Ligonier.Stones Trace TavernEngraved stone at the entranceStones Trace Regulators target shackCovered firing lineTarget positions are located at 25, 50, and 100 Yards.Loading benchesLoading benchesAt the bench rest positionRecent additionThe roof is finished and the cabin is ready for chinking.
The hunting pouch is an icon of the American frontier. By the early 19th century pouches could show distinct regional variations, wide ranges in quality from home made to finest cordwainers work, and variations in size and shape based on use. This years auction presents a stunning range of bags and accoutrements.
Bill Smith has donated a double bag of finely tanned deer skin with double internal compartments. Bill has been making bags for over 20 years and they are very popular with re-enactors and shooters alike.
This black leather bag exhibits very fine workmanship, an example of the best 19th century Cordwainer’s art. The stitching is so well done as to be decorative in itself. Hand forged iron buckles and a woven strap complete the bag. The multiple compartments would serve the long hunter very well. It would also work equally well for the organized shooter or the packrat like myself.
This bag demonstrates Bill’s high quality workmanship and as a special feature for the auction it is both a double bag and double compartmented. If you win this bag at the auction Friday night, you can spend Saturday filling it up with great accoutrements from the show displays.
By 1814 even in the far west of the Illinois country the frontier was changing. Even so, many blood feuds kindled by earlier mutual antagonisms between the Red and White neighbors still smoldered. Born in just such a place during just such a time, Colonel John Moredock, the celebrated Indian Hater, first sought revenge against the Indians responsible for massacring his mother and stepfather and kidnapping his siblings, but he didn’t stop there. The legend goes on to tell how as a grown man, Moredock continued on the war path, killing every Indian he could throughout the War of 1812 and beyond, that is until he nearly murdered his own sister who had been adopted and raised by the Indians that had captured her during that fateful raid. It was then that Moredock swore to never kill again.
Whether the many stories and legends told about John Moredock are all true or not, they do serve to illustrate how the frontier itself was changing, and how as a nation we were beginning to question much of what we once took for granted, including a perceived right to indiscriminately kill Indians even in the name of revenge or vengeance. The seeds of a national conscience were being planted.
The pouch and horn set made by Tim Crosby and TC Albert is inspired by the legend of John Moredock, and like the theme for the 2014 CLA auction, it is dedicated to the turbulent and changing times seen along the frontier during 1814 at the close of our second war for independence.
The powder horn by Tim Crosby is a beautifully made piece representative of the period that incorporates field expedient repairs to its spout made with a separate piece of horn, a silver thimble, and a forged square shanked iron nail. Tim also turned the spout for the suggin’ or ball bag and made the small flat priming horn for this set. The bearded pouch made by TC Albert, is decorated with rows of fine leather fringes sewn to the flap and front panel of the pouch, and is based on several early and rare documented originals that are also representative of the period. All of the pieces in the set bear the initials of John Moredock, and the date 1814.
The pouch and horn are accompanied by a scalping knife that fits into a sheath inscribed with only one word. The word that drove Moredock and others like him on their bloody frontier rampages for so long… “VENGENCE”. Impossible to ignore and serving as a tangible product of that thirst for vengeance, five severed ears complete with their ear bobs or glass trade bead decorations dangle from the pouch strap as trophies. We often celebrate the rifles, tomahawks and knives that were used to wage war along the early American frontiers, but we take for granted the physical damages and personal casualties such an environment produced. Hopefully the “Five Ears Pouch” by Tim Crosby and TC Albert will stir a little thought about that today just like the story of John Moredock the Indian Hater did back in 1814.
Robert Pawling is a CLA artisan specializing in dyed porcupine quill embroidery of many kinds done on braintanned deerskins to produce 18th C. Northeast Native accoutrements.
Bob has extended his style a bit in keeping with this years auction theme of westward expansion. Bob has produced a bag like the indians of the western plains and mountains were producing in the period of early contact. This bag has quillwork in the Wabanaki style of the upper Northeast Saint Lawrence region. The style was used by the Abenaki Indians and spread west with voyageurs and the fur trade. It would be appropriate for a hunter/scout/trapper anytime in the first quarter of the 19th century. This bag is constructed of brain tanned deerskin with the lining and the flap of antique upholstery material. The white beads are old trade beads, and the front panel is decorated with dyed porcupine quills in line quilling and zigzag methods. The bag is sewn with artificial sinew and modern dyes were used on some quills.
Robert has graciously donated this bag with its excellent craftsmanship and style to support the continued efforts of the CLA who use these funds support too promote the modern artists who make the contemporary longrifles and related accoutrements.
Contact Robert at:
Robert Pawling
789 East Main St.
Poultney, VT 05764
Phone: 802-287-9734
Email: b-jpawling@yahoo.com
Roger Sells is a well known contemporary builder and is a regular at the Southern rifle events at Lake Cumberland and the the Museum of Appalachia. He is noted for extremely well made iron mounted mounted Appalachian rifles and some great Hawken rifles.
Roger lives in an area of Tennessee where gunsmiths lived and worked in the the 1800 to early 1900 time frame. Roger notes he was exposed to iron mounted Southern rifles at an early age (12 years of age), but was not really interested in the history, design, and function of the rifles until he returned from military service in 1969. “My interest grew, and I soon learned to love these iron mounted rifles because of their simple functional design and graceful lines. Rifles built by Ambrose Lawing, the Bean family, William Douglas, and Elisha Bull are close to my heart, but the rifles built by Elisha Bull of Bulls Gap Tennessee are my favorites.”
When Roger decided to build a rifle for the CLA auction he chose an iron mounted Southern rifle inspired by Elisha Bull’s rifles considering the auction focus on the War of 1812 period and the expansion westward. Elisha served as a private in a regiment of East Tennessee volunteers during the War of 1812. Elisha Bull’s clientele included frontiersmen, settlers and native Americans living in the region between the Appalachians and the Mississippi. Many of their rifles surely found their way to battlefields such as Horseshoe Bend and New Orleans, and beyond to the places like the Alamo, the Rocky Mountains, and the western Indian territories. Roger had been wanting to build a rifle like this for some time.
Roger did not build a bench copy of a specific Elisha Bull rifle, but did incorporate characteristics from Elisha’s double grease hole rifle and one of his tri-metal fancy rifles with characteristics Roger normally uses to build his well known iron mounted rifles. The results are this elegant, clean and very Elisha Bull like auction rifle. Roger said “My focus was to build a simple functional rifle with graceful lines like the rifles built by Elisha Bull.” and he certainly succeeded.
Roger used the following components:
– Rice “A” weight 44 inch .40 cal. swamped barrel with square cut rifling.
– Chamber’s late Ketland flint lock
– Davis #4 triggers
– Walnut stock blank from Harrison’s Gunstocks
The iron hardware and rear sight were fabricated in Roger’s shop.
This is truly a notable contemporary longrifle and exemplifies the period when the frontier was moving west, the economy was shifting to steamboats and cotton, and the classic iron mounted Southern rifles were reaching their artistic peak. It is difficult to achieve the true elegance of line, excellence of the iron mounts, and balanced architecture that carries a simple un-ornamented tool into a classic artwork. Roger Sell’s Elisha Bull inspired rifle does just that.
You can contact Roger via email at: rbpodge@twlakes.net
Josh Shepherd created this piece entitled “The Frontiersman”. It is 21” tall and made of hydrostone with a hand-applied finish. It’s a limited edition of 50. This is number 14 (In honor of 1814) and in keeping with the theme of the auction. The round hat, rifle, and hunting shirt are characteristic of the working frontier, and the detail on the horn, bag , and belt are remarkable. “The Frontiersman” is a well done casting catching the essence of the American frontiersmen looking for the next challenge.
Josh is a noted contemporary artist and has a article on Effigies on the American Frontier in the latest issue of American Traditions.
Copy by Heinz Ahlers with photo by Josh Shepherd.
This series of articles is for the benefit of the CLA Auction on August 15, 2014. Larry Pletcher, editor
The CLA Fundraising Auction will take place on Friday, August 15 at 5:00. This is a day earlier than last year and a day earlier than what was originally forecast this year. The list of auction items has expanded a bit with powder horn from Ron Hess including a strap from Kris Polizzi. Josh Shepherd has donated a casting he produced of an early 19th century frontiersman. Both of these items will be posted later. Attached are a few teasers on items yet to have full postings:
Elisha Bull by Roger Sells (in progress)Elisha Bull “Death or Victory” pistol being copied by Mike Miller
Copy by Heinz Ahlers.
This series of articles is for the benefit of the CLA Auction on August 15, 2014. Larry Pletcher, editor
Chris Barker has donated a complete hunting rig. Chris designed the bag and con-structed the rig, doing all of the leather work. We are proud to say the Chris is one of our repeat donors to the live auction.
Several other artisans were involved in the project. The leather for the bag was donated by Joel Ketonen of the Dallas Muzzle Loading Gun Club, The accoutrements were pur-chased from noted artisans by Chris. The Southern banded horn and powder measure were made by Mark Ewing. The measure throws 50 grains and is adjustable in the old fashioned way. You can file it down to throw the appropriate charge or half charge. Ed Wilde of Wilde Weavery furnished the hand forged buckles and vent pick. If you note in the photographs the buckles on the strap and the horn straps are particularly nice. The green checked lining material is an authentic pattern from Burnley and Towbridge. Jeff White made the knife and Chris notes “The knife is really sharp. I like to play with any-thing that shoots, but am scared of the possibility of cutting myself.”
The pan brush is a recycled from a 38 special and a shoe brush. This bag is roomy. Sewn with 5 cord unbleached linen thread, it is completely appropriate to the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Everything on the bag is readily detachable so you can customize it as you wish. I believe it is good to run the river with as it it is.
Although this could make a great display piece I believe it is meant to be used and will give long years of service to the successful bidder.
Chris Barker has been involved in muzzleloading for over 35 years. He has made a study of hunting bags. He won the Judges Choice Purple Ribbon at Dixon’s Gun Makers Fair in 1992. Articles have been published about his work in the July 2006 MUZZLE BLASTS and the September/October 2006 MUZZLELOADER. Chris makes each bag different from the previous one and strives to produce work of an heirloom quality. One of his arti-cles can be found on the Contemporary Makers Blog at http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2012/05/thought-on-hunting-pouches-and-horns-by.html
The folding knife is an authentic accoutrement for the period of the War of 1812. Citizens of the new United States did not always want to carry a hunting bag and longknife while strolling the rapidly expanding cities and crowded militia camps. Knifes like this 4” bladed folder were handy in the hunting bag or in the pocket for eating, cutting patches or tobacco, and everyday chores or social events.
Scott Summerville has fabricated an historically correct 18th century folding knife based on one in Colonial Williamsburg collection. The knife has bone scales, a period correct crocus finish on the metal and an 18th century style tapered back spring. Scott’s workmanship is impressive and the finish and fit are comparable to the best late 18th and early 19th century English and German work.
Scott lives in Southern Illinois and has made knives for 20 plus years. He enjoys studying original knives for construction techniques and style, incorporating this into his work. Scott also enjoys living history,participating in several events each year. Historic accuracy is his goal and he has achieved that in his contribution to the 2014 CLA Fundraising auction.
Maryellen Pratt lives in Adams County, Ohio with her husband Ian Pratt. Maryellen is a maker of premium hunting bags, knife sheaths, haversacks and sundry other items. She is meticulous in using materials and techniques. And her careful antiquing processes are universally appreciated. Maryellen regularly conducts classes on the skills and methods of making pouches and advanced leather working at the Log Cabin Shop in Lodi, Ohio and other venues. Her products are regularly featured on the Contemporary Makers Blog, in American Traditions, and can be found in on the range at Friendship, carried by by re-enactors and in better contemporary collections.
Joe Seabolt, also from Southwestern Ohio is a noted blacksmith and cutler. Joe’s knives are greatly prized and one of his large knives was featured in last year’s auction. Having a horn by Joe is an additional plus for this set as horns are a rare product for him. Joe also is a popular instructor on blacksmithing, and knife making. He has designed a gas forge for iron work, capable of welding heats and occasionally has a class for fabricating the forge.
This hand stitched “D” shaped bag is an outstanding work of art. The pouch with period correct fringe is made from a select mixture of bark tanned deer and calf hide. The bag’s strap has a hand forged buckle for adjustment and is fitted with a sheath which holds a fine antler handled patch knife made by Joe. A powder horn by Joe Seabolt features an applied walnut tip and a unique iron inlay in the plug. The horn is suspended by one of Maryellen’s woven straps with leather ends and the stopper is secured with a lucet woven cord. The vent pick and decorated cane powder measure are by Joe, as well as the handmade chains suspending them from the bag.
This bag set is outstanding on all counts. The color and aging really have to be seen in person to be appreciated.
Both Joe and Maryellen are repeat donors to the Fund Raising Auction and we appreciate their continued support.
You may know George Sutton for a variety of reasons. George, aka Mr Flintlock, has been doing the “Impossible Shoots” on Shooting USA on outdoor cable networks for a number of years. You may know George from his visits to Friendship. You may also know George as the man who has brought back Lehigh Valley lube under the name “Mr Flintlocks Patch Lube and Bore Cleaner”.
George and I sat down and chatted about flintlock shooting, those impossible shots, and how he was able to market Mr. Flintlock’s Lube. I enjoyed this interview; I hope you like it.
Indiana gunmaker, Jerry Eitnier is a returning donor to the CLA fundraising auction. Jerry is no stranger to the muzzle loading sport and art. He has been involved for more than 40 years. He joined the National Muzzle Loading Association in 1973, and in 1987 he built his first longrifle. He became a charter member of the Contemporary Longrifle Association in 1991.
Jerry is strongly influenced by Hershel House’s work. He builds guns in the style of “the Hershel House Woodbury School”, with iron mounted guns being his specialty. Jerry follows the style of the frontier smiths, making the tools needed to survive on the frontier. Utility, dependability, and longevity under rough conditions were the important criteria. Besides building firearms he has broadened his talents into the arts of blacksmithing, crafting knives and making powder horns.
He has studied under some of the most noteworthy artists in the field, taking five years of classes at the Annual Traditional Arts & Arms Making Workshops at Conner Prairie Living History Museum in Fishers, IN. There he was taught by gunmakers Hershel House, John Schippers, Mark Silver and blacksmith Melvin Lytton and others. Additionally, he’s had the opportunity to work with Frank House down in southern Illinois. Jerry is quick to credit others for his success, “Most of what little I know I learned by doing but so many people have helped me along the way and I can’t thank them enough.” Today Jerry also shares his talents, mentoring new makers, like Elijah Froedge.
The knife Jerry created this year has about a 5 1/2 inch cutting edge and is about 10-1/2 inches overall. It was not built with a dial micrometer. Hand forged from 1080 steel with an Indiana antler handle it is is an honest homespun knife typical of the frontier anytime from 1750 to 1860. It comes with a rugged serviceable sheath. The knife has a great feel and is meant to be used. Jerry would be disappointed if you hang it on the wall.
Jerry has generously donated his art to support this year’s auction because, as he says – “in return for all the support and help I have received over the years from other CLA artisans.”
Jerry’s contact information is below. His website is well worth a visit.
This will be the third year of commemorating the War of 1812 for the 2014 CLA Fund Raising Auction. Fifteen CLA artists have created their art and donate it to be auctioned at the Annual Meeting and Show on August 15, in Lexington, Kentucky.
We will be showcasing the 2014 fund raising auction items here. Individual works will be added to this site as they are received. The following CLA artists have given their time and talent for this auction.
Knives:
Jerry Eitner – Frontier blacksmith knife and sheath
Scott Summerville – Period folding knife
Pouches:
Bill Smith – Double hunting pouch with multiple inset pockets
Maryellen Pratt and Joe Seabolt – Bag, horn and knife
T.C. Albert and Tim Crosby – Pouch, horn, ball bag, priming horn
Chris Barker – Pouch, Horn, knife, vent pick and ball bag, set
Rich and Jean McDonald – Pouch, measure, brush, pick, and bullet board
Don and Tina Shaver – Bag and Horn Set
Firearms:
Marc Tornichio – Iron mounted rifle
Roger Sells – Bull rifle, iron mounted
Mike Miller – Copy of Elisha Bull pistol
Copy supplied by Heinz Ahlers.
This series of articles is for the benefit of the CLA Auction on August 15, 2014. Larry Pletcher, editor
It’s Saturday morning , and Allen Martin and I will try a new method for interviews. Formerly, I used a digital audio recorder, but this year we will use video. On the picnic table where we’re sitting is a wonderfully thin flintlock. That’s where the interview will start.
Allen with Teddy (L) and Tucker (R).
Allen, thank you for a most impressive rifle. Thanks also for being a part of this first try at a video interview.
This is an informal list of future project ideas. Nothing cast in stone here; just a place to keep notes on ideas.
1. Vent shape experiments — this will include an exterior tool made by Tom Snyder, a friend who also makes an interior vent coning tool, as well as other tools for the gun maker.
2. A before and after test of Jim Chambers‘ late Ketland lock. We’ll time various combinations of the current and new parts.
3. Find an elapsed time for a double set trigger. This will pretty subjective, and we’re not sure of a methodology. Lowell Gard and I are brain-storming on this.
4. Slow motion video session with Olympus Industrial. I have a few friends with original English locks that we’ll want to video tape. We will also tape locks of any shooters who would like a video tape of their lock.
5. Because of missing a chance to get an interview with Gary Brumfield, I’d like to collect thoughts from his many friends. This is just in planning stages, I want to make sure this gets done.
6. A photo session done at the Seminar in Bowling Green.
Gary Brumfield has been a friend, mentor, encourager, and teacher to me as well as many others. He was the push behind the lock-timing experiments, helping me to develop methodology we used to time locks. Much of his help came while we were at the Seminar at Bowling Green back in the ’80s.
On the first day of the early Seminars, we would meet behind Terry Leeper’s house and have a little shoot. Nothing formal, just a chance to touch off a few and get acquainted. Two of the photos below came from those afternoon shoots.
Gary primes the lock on his .60 deer rifle.Left to right, Larry Pletcher, Gary, unknown, and Dave WagnerGary’s hand made lock set off the photo cell during tests without prime – just sparks alone!
The last photo of Gary was taken at the Seminar in the late ’80s. I used it for the title photo, but thought I’d end with it too. This is the way I choose to remember him.
Friendship will be very special this spring. Allen Martin will be bringing my new Schimmel to the spring shoot. Allen and I have talked about this project numerous times at CLA. I remember handling an incredible Martin gun and heard Allen say, It’s all in the architecture.”
I was worried about my own shoulder issues and voiced this concern to Allen. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ll make you a long, slim, light flint schimmel that will be a joy to handle. And he did.
A few weeks ago, Allen sent me a few photos of the gun. Below are photos. I’ll tease you with just a couple photos and add more when Allen and I get together at Friendship. I want to add photos of him and his boys — and the gun of course.
Bucks Co. Schimmel 2
Allen Martin SchimmelAllen Martin Schimmel
I think the only preference I gave Allen was that I like pretty wood. (I prefer to make few requests and then get out of the way of he maker. ) The nature of a Bucks County Schimmel is that it is a plain gun. The beauty of this rifle is not in decoration, as it has none. The beauty is in its graceful lines. As Allen says, It’s all about the architecture. That certainly is true in this case. In just a few days, I’ll hold this gun in my hands. I bet the photos don’t do it justice.
It’s been a long time coming, but Blackpowdermag has a new look!
For some time we have considered revamping Blackpowdermag, and when a group of files were corrupted, we changed to a WordPress authoring system. The result is a new, fresh-looking format that reads well on smart phones and tablets, as well as computers. We are especially pleased with this improvement that was made possible by WordPress.
We also will connect with a Blackpowdermag Facebook page. We envision notifications on Facebook with the appearance of new articles and photos on blackpowdermag.com.
Dealing with the damaged files and articles presented some challenges. Upper most in my mind was to prevent the loss of important experiments and the articles that reported the findings. Since the site’s materials came from a variety of sources, different solutions were used. The result is that all the MuzzleBlasts articles are back, looking better than ever. Other experiments have been saved as well. The slow-motion videos of 80+ flintlocks are back. Photo galleries are organized with material from Friendship, Conner Prairie, CLA, and Dixon’s Gun Fair. And, as I write this, the taped interviews of gun makers are being finished up.
Much of the credit for the new, revised Blackpowdermag belongs to my son, Kevin. Kevin has extensive experience in internet commerce, currently employed by Bloomreach, a premier Internet technology company. Without his help, I’m afraid this site would have simply faded away.
The Contemporary LongRifle Association is proud to sponsor this project by the House brothers. BlackPowderMag is equally proud to help to promote this activity.
Through the collective efforts of three renowned Kentucky gun makers, Hershel, Frank, and John House, a special handmade longrifle has been created for the CLF as a fundraiser. The proceeds from the “An American Tradition” House Brothers Handmade Flintlock Longrifle Project will enable the Foundation to continue its mission to promote the art of the Kentucky Longrifle and related arts through publications, museum exhibits, grants, and promotion of contemporary artists.(This paragraph reproduced with permission.)
Please use this link to learn more about the project and how you can participate.
During our second year of commemorating of the War of 1812, the 2013 CLA Fund Raising Auction promises to be another significant event. Twenty-five generous CLA artists have stepped forward to create their art and donate it to be auctioned at our Annual Meeting and Show on August 17, in Lexington, Kentucky.
Everyone is in for a real treat. Not only will you be getting an advance preview of the 2013 fund raising auction items here, but you will have an opportunity to get to know these artists, learn a little about them and how they created this fine array of items for the auction. Individual works will be added to this site as they are received, so visit often to see these new exciting creations.
The commemoration of the War of 1812 began last year with a wonderful selection items. These can be seen in the past CLA auction articles listed here. While all are significant in their own right, to me as a teacher Indiana History, the most meaningful of last year’s items was a bench copy of Tecumseh’s flintlock. Check out the article here.
I’m sure the auction items this year will be as well received as those from last year. Check back often to see the new items and to learn about the artists who made them. With twenty-five of our best artists providing the auction items, this will be a “must see” CLA Show. Join the CLA today and mark August 17 on your calendar.
Take time to look over the Contemporary Longrifles Association site. The photo gallery will give you an idea of what we’re all about. And, check back here to see the uploads of the next auction items.
As we talked, Bill and Philip Iles worked on the machine. Philip would pull the cutter through a groove 10 times. Bill would then re-index the machine and clean the cutter with thread-cutting oil. After the cutter had been through each groove, Bill added a .001” steel shim under the cutter. The process would continue until he reached .006-.007” deep.
