Tag: Contemporary Longrifle Assoc

For more information about the auction or CLA membership please visit:

Contemporary Longrifle Association     Join the CLA Today

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.

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today

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.

Trade Silver Wrist Band by Wayne & Marilyn Holcombe

Brooklyn, Michigan residents Wayne and Marilyn Holcombe are silversmiths by trade and operate XX TRADE SILVER.

XX Trade Silver began 10 years ago when their close friend, Chuck Leonard, a premier silversmith taught them the art of silversmithing. Wayne chuckles when he relates how it all started.

“I was involved with competition black powder shooting and Marilyn accompanied me to a lot of shoots through the years. One day Marlyn mentioned to Chuck Leonard that she got bored at the shoots so Chuck told her that he would show her something that will make it a little more interesting. At that time Marilyn started her study of silversmithing and I came under the spell, too. Under the guidance of Chuck, we have developed our art, started our company and have become regulars on the Living History and Trade Fair circuits. When we’re not on the road, we call Brooklyn, Michigan home.”

Before the husband and wife team learned the silversmithing trade and launched their business, Wayne worked with master gunmaker and wood carver John Bivins in Raleigh, North Carolina during the ’90s. Together they did museum restoration and carved colonial period high-art wood installations for museums and private clients.

After returning to Michigan, Marilyn and Wayne began their research and schooling in the art of silversmithing and both attribute Chuck Leonard as their inspiration to become silversmiths.

They work in sterling silver specializing in the re-creation of authentic trade silver pieces from the early 18th century to present. All of their silver is period correct, by using the same tools and processes as the original silversmiths. They also create their own designs upon request. And as Wayne and Marilyn put it, “We do lots of custom orders.”

To see more of Wayne and Marilyn’s work visit their website: http://www.xxtradesilver.com

The silver wrist band is an interpretation from one that came from a site in East Tennessee. It has the same type of markings found on the trade silver “shells or “moons” and has the words “South Carolina” engraved on it which could be possibly an item from a South Carolina treaty with the Creeks and Cherokees. It would make a nice companion piece to the “South Carolina” trade silver “Shell” made by the Wayne and Marilyn and also offered in the auction.

Click here to see more images of the Trade Silver Wrist Band by Wayne & Marilyn Holcombe

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today         By T.C. Albert

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.

“A Knife Fit for an Alligator-Horse” by Joe Seabolt

By T.C. Albert

Trekking across the Louisiana bayou two brothers rushed to get to the besieged port city before it was too late. Even though a decisive American victory had been declared, the pair was disappointed that the battle had ended and that they had missed the chance to share in its glory.

The British had been “whooped”! And though Jim and his brother Rezin had just missed it, the other “Half Alligator-Half Horse” men that had followed Andrew Jackson throughout the war of 1812 to its final battle would have been proud to carry one of legendary fighting knives that the Bowie’s would later make famous. In fact, the Bowie knife was arguably destined to become at least as famous as battle the Battle of New Orleans itself.

Imagining Jackson’s men armed with such a formidable blade inspired the re-creation of this knife. Bladesmith Joe Seabolt has created a scale interpretation of the knife shown both on page #141 and the back cover of the book “Accoutrements II” by James R. Johnson. From its “false edge” clipped point to its hard wood handle, in basic size and shape this deadly side arm incorporates all of the characteristics normally seen on a classic Bowie. Although this style of knife is a little later than what Joe normally makes, it is one that he has wanted to copy for a long time and he thought the 2013 CLA fundraising auction would be the perfect reason to finally do so.

Joe hand forged the blade from 1095 steel, and it is an impressive 113/4″ long by 13/4″ wide by 5/16″ thick.

Also hand forged are the knife’s traditional “S” shaped iron guard and the matching iron sheath fittings. After forging, once the blade was tempered everything was painstakingly fitted and then carefully finished, resulting in another fine example of the authentic early American cutlery for which Joe is so famous.

Every detail of the big knife and its custom fitted leather sheath has been taken into consideration; including the use of a hand selected billet of aged “old hickory” wood that was used to make the handle of this special knife that would have done “Old Hickory’s” men proud.

Click here to see more images of “An Andy Jackson Alligator Horsemen’s Knife” by Joe Seabolt

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today

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.

A Hunter’s Shot Pouch Set from a Frontier on the Eve of War by Cal Tanner and Jim Hays

Cal Tanner is a maker of hunting pouches, haversacks, powderhorns and other items and is well known for his exceptional leather craftsmanship and quality. He has won numerous awards for his work, which, in Cal’s own words, he approaches with the mindset of a professionally-trained eastern craftsman working with locally available materials after moving to the Ohio frontier at the end of the 18th century. Jim Hays and his wife Peggy are multi-talented artists with unique ability to capture the feel of well-made, authentic looking, and aged accoutrements – including forge work, knives, pouches, horns and textiles. Cal and Jim are neighbors, working in the beautiful and historic Paint Creek Valley region of southern Ohio. They have teamed up for this year’s auction to replicate a rare surviving early 19th century pouch with a history that is intertwined with the events leading up to the warfare that erupted on the Indiana frontier in 1811.

The “Thomas Simpson Pouch” and its accompanying horn, were carried and used by Simpson – a professional hunter working the present-day Ohio-Indiana border area in the first decade of the 19th century. Born in Maryland in 1773, Simpson moved with the frontier – to North Carolina, the Clinch River area of Tennessee, and by the early 1800s on to the western edge of the settlements along the 1795 Greenville Treaty Line. In the winter of 1809-1810, he moved west beyond the old Treaty line when he hired out as a hunter for the survey crew that ran the western boundary of the famous “12-Mile Purchase.” The 12-Mile Purchase had been negotiated with pro-American chiefs at the Treaty of Fort Wayne in 1809, against the wishes of Tecumseh and other opposed Native leaders – and thus was one of the first in a string of treaties and sales that led to the hostility that erupted on the Indian frontier in 1811. Simpson remained, settling in the surveyors’ cabin located in present day Fayette County, Indiana. He spent the rest of his life in the area, eventually being joined by his family and many friends from North Carolina.

The original pouch set is a fitting project for Cal’s and Jim’s artistry. Beyond the regional connection, it exhibits a combination of professional and home-spun craft – extremely well made and simple, yet beautifully designed with a long pointed tail flap and an inner divider. True to the original, Cal has reproduced the pouch in oak-tanned calfskin while having the original on his bench to study. Cal also demonstrates his talent as a horner, faithfully reproducing the original horn accompanying the bag with its single raised ring, a reinforcing iron band on the spout, and a domed plug held by hand-cut wooden pegs. The worn out and replaced strap, the glassy translucence and flattening on the horn’s inboard side, and the presence of a powder measure made from a late 19th century center-fire shell casing (discovered hidden deep in the bottom of the pouch) all suggest countless miles of carry and generations of use.

Jim has added a beautiful bone handled knife with a hand-forged blade to complete the set. The knife is perfectly in keeping with the strong but simple and elegant features of the bag and horn.

To see more of Cal’s and Jim’s work, you can visit these links:

http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/search?q=Calvin+Tanner

http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/search?q=Jim+Hays

Calvin Tanner: 218 Hwy 50 Bainbridge, OH 45612 (740) 634-3579 email: tannermc@bright.net

Jim and Peggy Hays: 1832 California Hollow Road Bainbridge, OH 45612 (740) 626-2381 Email: peaceablekingdomfarm@horizonview.net

Click here to see more images of the “1809 Indiana Frontier Hunting Pouch” by Calvin Tanner & Jim Hays

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today      By Heinz Ahlers

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.

Jerry Eitnier Knife & Sheath

By Heinz Ahlers

Indiana gunmaker, Jerry Eitnier has been involved in the sport of muzzleloading for more than 40 years. He joined the National Muzzle Loading Association in 1973, and later became a charter member of the Contemporary Longrifle Association in 1991.

In 1987 he built his first longrifle. Influenced by Hershel House’s work, he builds guns as he terms them in the style of “the Hershel House Woodbury School” with iron mounted guns being his specialty. Jerry wryly comments, “Sometimes I work on the far side of this school. Some of my work is a little different.”

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, besides building firearms he has broadened his talents into the arts of blacksmithing, crafting knives and making powder horns.

Fellow CLA member and gunmaker, Mark Thomas has this to say about Jerry’s work; “He likes to forge the iron for the hardware on his iron mounted rifles but he is also capable of making other items in his blacksmith shop. Most of his blacksmith work is for his own projects but once in a while he will offer some things for sale or take in an occasional order. He may have a knife or two, an axe or maybe just trigger guards and butt plate.”

Jerry’s knives and horns are like his rifle guns; “built to be safe and to be used”. The CLA is fortunate to have one of his knives donated by Jerry for this year’s Fund Raising Auction. It’s a small belt knife of a convenient, easy to carry size that will do about anything that you would ask of a good knife. Hand forged from 1080 steel with the look of frontier blacksmithing, this knife is meant to use and should hold up well. It comes with a handsome, well-crafted sheath.

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.

Jerry Eitnier Box 125 Hillsboro, IN 47949 765-798-3525 Email: Ike47949@yahoo.com To see more of Jerry’s work, visit his website: http://www.eitnierrifles.com

Click here to see more images of the Jerry Eitnier Knife & Sheath

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today

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.

Nathan Boone Pouch & Horn Set by Tim Sanner & Jim Webb

A few years after the Boone family settled along the Femme Osage in Missouri, the War of 1812 broke out. Soon war parties of Native Americans loyal to the British began attacking American settlers up and down the Mississippi River. Though he wanted to serve, Daniel Boone was deemed too old to serve and stayed home to guard and protect the family. His son Nathan on the other hand, was ordered by William Clark to raise a company of Rangers, and he was soon leading them deep into the Illinois country above Peoria in his efforts to protect the frontier. Nathan continued his service in the back country until 1815 when the general alarm died down.

Well known artisans and CLA members Jim Webb and Tim Sanner have created a commemorative pouch and horn set titled, “The Nathan Boone Pouch and Horn Set”.

The beautifully carved powder horn for this set is based upon a horn that was said to have belonged to Daniel, and was until recently displayed in the bed room of Nathan and Olive’s Missouri home where he died. The where abouts of this important national treasure is currently unknown and only one image of it could be located. (National Geographic Magazine; Vol. 168, No.6; December 1985; page 837) Unfortunately that photo shows few of the actual details of the horn’s obviously elaborate carvings; carvings that were likely executed by Daniel himself. So Tim carved a version of the horn as it was imagined in a print drawn for the project by T.C. Albert.

On one side, the horn is carved with the name and image of Daniel Boone astride a horse and appearing much as he was described when he rode into St. Louis on his way to Missouri.

On the other is a fraktur style drawing of Daniel’s son and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Olive standing over traditional Pennsylvania Dutch flowers and turtle doves.

Crafting a pouch to compliment such a horn could have presented a challenge if it were not for the artistry of Jim Webb. Combining applied and embroidered decorations including a federal eagle and shield on its flap Jim crafted a true work of art himself. Other decorations include a large applied white heart on the bag face, needle work cross hatching over the pouch body and flap, and an elaborately constructed and decorated adjustable strap. Taken individually, both the pouch and the horn are beautiful stand-alone pieces, but combined into a single one of a kind set celebrating one of our nation’s most well-loved heroes, his family and their exploits during our second war for independence, the “Nathan Boone Horn and Pouch” set is a contemporary national treasure.

This horn and pouch, including a special set of the matted prints the horns carvings are based on will be just one of the offerings at this year’s CLA fundraising auction. We hope to see you there.

You can contact the artists about their work at:

Tim Sanner 865 Rockdale Road Rockwood PA. 15557 Email: tsanner@allegany.edu Phone: 814-926-2678

Jim Webb 333 Webb Haven Drive Hillsville VA. 24343 Email: jimwebb@embarqmail.com Phone: 276-728-7772

Tim Sanner: “My interest in flintlock rifles began in the early 1992. When a good friend gave me a small cow horn and suggested that I needed to make myself a good priming horn, my journey into horn making began. For a couple years I made horns as gifts and gave most of them away. Over the next few years, I was blessed with the opportunity to study under two nationally known horners and expanded my skills as a craftsman.

Born and raised in the Laurel Highlands of Somerset County Pennsylvania, where I live with my wonderful wife Diana and next door to my adult children, I make my powder horns in my small shop beside my home. I try to do research on each horn I make with a small collection of books that are loaded with pictures and descriptions of original horns from the 18th and 19th centuries. I make all my horns personally and try my best to keep them as historically accurate as possible. Of course, some of the makers creativity slips in once in a while! In keeping with the “old” ways of making horns, doing the largest majority of the work by hand I use files, rasps, and scrapers as much as possible. There are no epoxies used to install my end caps and they are all sealed with beeswax internally like the originals were.

My horns have been featured in Pennsylvania Magazine and are on display in Lord Nelson’s Gallery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.”

Jim Webb: “The first muzzle loading rifle I saw set me on a quest to learn everything I could about the old guns. My main focus over the years has been on the plain everyday guns made and used in the southern mountains.

I live on a portion of the old family farm with my wife Susie, who is very creative, especially with needlework. We are most fortunate to have grown up and lived in southwest Virginia in the area known as the over mountain-backwater country. Many old timers here still possessed and used muzzle loading guns. There were also local gunsmiths who still made, repaired, rifled and rebuilt the old rifles as late as 1970 and they taught me how to make the rifles shoot well. I have spent many pleasant days hunting and shooting muzzle loading rifles.

My collecting started with muzzle loading rifles and expanded to include everything related to them. Hunting pouches and accoutrements were plentiful and affordable and became my main interest. I then started making hunting pouches to use with my guns.

Later my collecting expanded to include many things the everyday residents of the southern mountains owned and used such as; hand forged traps, knives, bag axes, fish and turtle gigs, tinder and tobacco boxes, Betty and grease lamps, mountain crossbows and whatever might show up that was affordable.

Over the years I have met many wonderful people involved in every aspect of muzzle loading, many of which I call friends.”

Click here to see more images of The Nathan Boone Pouch & Horn Set by Tim Sanner & Jim Webb

The Nathan Boone Home

Nestled in the scenic Femme Osage Valley in southern St. Charles County Missouri sits the 3-1/2 story stone home that belonged to Nathan Boone; youngest son of Daniel and Rebecca Boone. Daniel had a cabin on this property and it was in Nathan’s home that he took his last breathe in September of 1820. Today the home is owned by Lindenwood University and is committed to maintaining the memory and legacy of the Boone family. Open year round; you’re invited to come visit and experience the changing seasons as Daniel did in the autumn of his life.

Daniel Boone Home & Heritage Center — 1868 Highway F — Defiance, MO 63341 — Phone: (636) 798-2005 — Fax: (636) 798-2914 — Email: BooneHome@lindenwood.edu

Click here to see more images of The Nathan Boone Home

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today

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.

Trade Silver Shell Gorget by Wayne & Marilyn Holcombe

Brooklyn, Michigan residents Wayne and Marilyn Holcombe are silversmiths by trade and operate XX TRADE SILVER.

XX Trade Silver began 10 years ago when their close friend, Chuck Leonard, a premier silversmith taught them the art of silversmithing. Wayne chuckles when he relates how it all started.

“I was involved with competition black powder shooting, and Marilyn accompanied me to a lot of shoots through the years. One day Marilyn mentioned to Chuck Leonard that she got bored at the shoots, so Chuck told her that he would show her something that will make it a little more interesting. At that time Marilyn started her study of silversmithing, and I came under the spell, too. Under the guidance of Chuck, we have developed our art, started our company and have become regulars on the Living History and Trade Fair circuits. When we’re not on the road, we call Brooklyn, Michigan home.”

Before the husband and wife team learned the silversmithing trade and launched their business, Wayne worked with master gunmaker and wood carver John Bivins in Raleigh, North Carolina during the ‘90s. Together they did museum restoration and carved colonial period high-art wood installations for museums and private clients.

After returning to Michigan, Marilyn and Wayne began their research and schooling in the art of silversmithing, and both attribute Chuck Leonard as their inspiration to become silversmiths.

They work in sterling silver specializing in the re-creation of authentic trade silver pieces from the early 18th century to present. All of their silver is period correct, by using the same tools and processes as the original silversmiths. They also create their own designs upon request. And as Wayne and Marilyn put it, “We do lots of custom orders.”

The sterling silver “Moon” or “Shell” (also sometimes referred as gorget) is closely copied from one (circ. 1760) found in Tugabachee, Alabama. Several examples of these type trade silver items are shown on page 68 in the book, SILVER IN THE FUR TRADE 1680-1820 by Martha Wilson Hamilton.

Decorated with two buttons, it is rocker engraved “South Carolina” with a tulip motif and a wave designed border. A design composed of two opposing triangles that represent a thunderbird of the upper world; the four diamonds represent a rattler of the underworld; in the middle a cross represents the four cardinal directions. It resides in the collections of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, AL.

The historical significance of this silver shell and the quality of the Holcombs’ work make it a most attractive piece to be added to one’s collection – or to be worn by discriminating Natives Americans and Indian living history participants.

To see more of Wayne and Marilyn’s work visit their website http://www.xxtradesilver.com

Click here to see more images of the Trade Silver Shell Gorget by Wayne & Marilyn Holcombe

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today

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.

A Choctaw Style Bow, Quiver, and Arrows Set by Matt & Paul Fennewald

Pushmataha is the most famous chief of the Choctaw nation and was the primary Choctaw war leader during the War of 1812. Pushmataha died in 1825 on a diplomatic mission to Washington DC and is buried there in the Congressional Cemetery as Brigadier General Pusnmataha.

When CLA member Matt Fennewald heard the theme of the CLF auction was the War of 1812, he was enthusiastic about changing his original donation proposal of a horn and bag to a Choctaw bow. Matt was aware of a bow attributed to Chief Pushmataha and supposedly was carried by him during the War of 1812. Pushmataha was a believer in traditional Choctaw cultural and the spiritual power of traditional ways and weapons. It is likely that the stories he carried a bow into battle in the Creek wars are true. There is a probability that he was in the small contingent of Choctaw warriors at the Battle of New Orleans, but that cannot be verified.

Matt’s quest to build a faithful copy of that bow is a story in itself. He contacted the Choctaw National Museum, who holds the bow in their collections, and after some discussion with personnel at the museum, he believes that particular bow is actually Filipino and not Choctaw. Matt did not want to do something that might be misrepresented, so he decided to make what he feels is a little more likely as far as a Choctaw bow, arrow, and quiver set that could have been used by Pushmataha in the War of 1812.

The bow is made from hickory and has a string twisted out of whitetail deer back sinew. The arrows are river cane, fletched with wild turkey wing feathers, and have fore shafts made from hickory. Matt included several different point styles as he feels this best represents the variety that would have been found on the arrows in a working quiver. The quiver is woven from river cane and was made by Paul Fennewald, Matt’s father, who is also a CLA member and lives in Missouri.

Matt says he did not use any special tools in the construction “just some research, a hatchet, drawknife, shaving horse, pocket knife, and some sweat”. In the preservation of traditional artistry, that is special.

The river cane used in the construction of the arrows and quiver have a connection to another Indian chief who was also connected to the War of 1812. This material was gathered near Lake Wappapello, in the St. Francis River watershed, in Southeast Missouri. Lake Wappapello is named after Chief Wapepilese, a Shawnee who reportedly hunted in this area, and was friendly to the early white settlers in southeast Missouri. His village was located on the site of present day Bloomfield, MO.

Matt and his father are both from farms on Moniteau Creek in Moniteau County, Missouri. Paul gave Matt his first flintlock rifle at the age of 10, in return for a summer working the farm. Endless hours of Matt’s childhood were spent pouring over The Books of Buckskinning, as there was nothing more in life he wanted than to be a mountain man. Later on he spent a few years studying art at college, then left to spend some time hitch hiking around this great country and trying to live off the land. When the time came to settle down, the only place that felt like home to Matt was back along the Moniteau Creek, and so that is where he lives today on a small farm along with his amazing wife and three children. Matt is noted for his brain tanning, hand crafted bows and arrows, hand stitched hunting bags, and powder horns.

Matt said he made this donation to the CLA because, “I wanted to donate to the CLA for the Foundation Auction foremost for the reason that I think the CLA is great, and their promotion of the long rifle culture is something sorely needed today. Also I think it is great exposure for the donating artist.”

Matt’s contact information is :

Matthew Fennewald – 2302 Cotton Drive – Clarksburg, Mo 65025 – Phone number is 660-466-0060 – Email is m.fennewald@hotmail.com

Click here to see more images of A Choctaw Style Bow, Quiver, and Arrows Set by Matt & Paul Fennewald

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today    Written Guy Montfort

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.

A Fine Lexington Style Rifle by Marvin Kemper

By Guy Montfort

Marvin Kemper has crafted a groundbreaking piece – a stunning, museum quality reproduction of an early 19th century longrifle in the style of the Bryan family of central Kentucky – that he has graciously donated for the Contemporary Longrifle Foundation 2013 fundraising auction.

By the time of the War of 1812 the “Kentucky Rifle” and the frontiersmen who used it had already captured the imagination of the American public. When the War grew imminent, the danger and perhaps chance of adventure spurred young men who had grown up hearing and reading of the exploits of their elders to volunteer for the War in droves. Fringed hunting frocks, elegant top hats, long knives – and often a fine golden age “Kentucky Rifle” in hand. They marched off to face the old adversaries of their fathers’ times – British, Shawnee, Creek and others, often led by the very veterans they idolized as heroes; men like Isaac Shelby and William Whitley who had first crossed the Appalachians to the Kentucky wilderness 40 years earlier.

What is not readily recognized is the role that early Kentucky gunmakers played in supplying arms to the men who served from the Thames to New Orleans and there is a misconception that “Kentucky rifles were not actually made in Kentucky.” However, by the time of the War of 1812 some of the most prominent, artistic and important schools of southern gunmaking were well established in what is now Kentucky and Tennessee. One of the most prominent early families of southern Trans-Appalachian gunmakers were the Bryans, working in and around Lexington Kentucky at the center of the “Central Kentucky” school of gunmaking. Relatives of the Boones, the Bryan family gunsmiths (William Sr., Daniel, William Turner and Lewis) built distinctive rifles in what we now recognize as the Lexington style in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Like the men who carried them, the Lexington style rifle was an integral part of the close of the eastern frontier and indeed the expansion to the far western mountains.

Having built longrifles in many more commonly known styles, Marvin decided to tackle the challenging yet rewarding task of interpreting and bringing attention to a style not well known and not often attempted by contemporary builders. Marvin’s experience restoring a fine William Turner Bryan rifle allowed him to study and absorb subtle details and features that make the difference to a discriminating eye. He consulted with Shelby Gallien, a noted researcher and collector of Kentucky-made rifles and author of the recently published book, Kentucky Rifles 1775-1900 and closely studied original central Kentucky rifles while planning and executing his build.

Marvin’s interpretation of a Lexington rifle, while not a bench copy of a single piece was built with exacting attention to detail in the style of a number of gunsmiths who worked in central Kentucky including William Graham and the Bryans. It has everything a Lexington rifle should have – and equally important – nothing that it should not – to be a museum-quality interpretation of an early 19th century Lexington rifle. Consistent with other great southern schools in this era, the decorative emphasis in Lexington was on crisp, bold architecture and subtle, finely designed and executed metal work, often set into superbly-figured maple stocks. To get the project “right” Marvin chose to donate and shape by hand the extremely fine curly maple stock from a blank. In order to accurately replicate the work of the Bryan shop, Marvin flawlessly fabricated a copy of an original Bryan triggerguard and other hardware. The triggers – one of the most distinctive features of a Lexington rifle – required manufacture from scratch. Marvin’s skill and attention to detail gives the final product the look of work done instinctively in the Lexington style – like one would expect from the hands of the Bryans themselves. The finely designed hand forged barrel keys with their decorative silver escutcheons, the signature Lexington style “captured lid” patchbox with its concealed hinge, and engraving perfectly executed in Bryan style are subtle details that indeed required many hours of extra work, but were required nonetheless for this rifle to truly represent the quality of work leaving the Bryan shop in the early 19th century. Marvin’s use of subtle aging replicates the look and feel of a treasured piece passed down through generations with the stories of the early frontier and the War. The end result is an extraordinary museum-quality and beautiful recreation.

Marvin’s Lexington style rifle came from the mindset of a new school of contemporary building that takes its inspiration from the work of early gunmakers working west of the Appalachians – exploring uncharted territory and in doing so educating all of us along the way. The Kemper-Bryan rifle is cutting-edge work that I suspect will inspire many others to explore and work in this arena for many years to come. It really is a first of its kind – at least since the last of the Bryan gunsmiths quit working in the 1800s – and a stellar interpretation of the best work from one of the premier southern gunmaking schools of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Kemper-Lexington Rifle Specifications: • Stock – super-fine curly sugar maple, donated by Marvin Kemper. • Barrel – .45 caliber Rice barrel, 44 inches long (donated by Rice Muzzleloading Gun Barrels). • Lock – modified Late Ketland style made by Jim Chambers (donated by Mike Mills). • Hardware and silver – all made or modified, decorated and donated by Marvin Kemper.

Contact: Liberty Longrifles LLC • Marvin Kemper, Gunmaker 8996 Winery Road Wadesville, IN 47638 PHONE: 812-985-9325 EMAIL: libertylongrifles@gmail.com

Click here to see more images of The Lexington Kentucky Rifle by Marvin Kemper

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The photos and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today

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.

Isaac Shelby Commemorative Knife by Glen Mock

As the 18th century closed, treaties were signed and the frontier moved west. Among the Americans who volunteered from Kentucky in the War of 1812 were many veterans of the Revolution and the bloody frontier conflict that consumed the Ohio Valley and southern Appalachians for years afterward. Isaac Shelby served as a soldier in Lord Dunmore’s War, the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812. While governor of Kentucky, at age 63 he personally led the Kentucky militia in the Battle of the Thames on October 5, 1813, and was rewarded with a Congressional Gold Medal for this action. His 64 year old friend, William Whitley volunteered as a private and would fall on the same part of the Thames battlefield as Tecumseh. Fifty-eight year old Simon Kenton also accompanied the expedition as a scout and interpreter.

Shelby’s fondness for John Dickinson’s The Liberty Song is believed to be the reason Kentucky adopted the state motto “United we stand, divided we fall”

Glen Mock is a well known CLA artist from Missouri and recognized for his knives and scrimshaw. He has recreated an enigmatic and classic “old veteran” knife from the frontier. The original was featured in Madison Grant’s “The Knife in Homespun America” and is on permanent display at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris, Tennessee. It is attributed to the old Wilderness Road area in Lee County in southwestern Virginia and likely dates to the 1770s era, and according to Grant saw service on the Ohio Valley frontier. Unlike the gilded and engraved presentation swords passed down to museums by families of the well-known leaders in the War, this knife seems to embody the spirit of those old soldiers who never stopped volunteering, were trusted and followed by others in their day, but whose story we will never fully know now. There is a deadly efficient and simple yet well-made look to this dagger. A definitive “long knife” its size and features leave no question as to its intended purpose, and set it apart as something intended for a warrior – rather than an everyday tool. It shows decades of use but obvious great care as a prized possession; unlike most period knives it looks to have never been relegated to the smokehouse or barn; never repurposed or used hard as a farm tool. One can easily imagine such a knife being carried and used by Shelby, Whitley, Kenton, and others – whether on their first trips beyond the mountains or on the last campaign hundreds of miles north of the Ohio; perhaps being retired after that last battle.

IN GLEN MOCK’S WORDS…

“I have been shooting black powder since 1968 and since childhood have had a deep love for the past. I spent the 1970’s into the 80’s making a living as a scrimshander, horner and silversmith.The last twenty some years my wife Connie and I have run a guest ranch in Northern Missouri, offering a taste of ranch life to city folks. I raised and broke horses and ran a small cattle operation. We are now retired from the guest ranch and I spend my time blacksmithing and knife making, along with still running the cattle operation.

The knife I made for this year’s auction is not a bench copy but a good likeness of a knife, circa 1770, featured in Madison Grant’s book, “The Knife in Homespun America”. I choose this knife as I wanted to create knife like one made by a frontier blacksmith. The blade was forged out of 1095 steel and the guard out of mild steel. The handle I made from an old oak plank I pulled off a fence here on the ranch. The sheath was made from an old piece of leather donated by Tom Bowen, and I made a brass tip like the one in the book.

Everyone needs a good story to tell, so I felt I needed to come up with a good one to put with this knife. Isaac Shelby of Kentucky has been a longtime hero of mine and since Shelby was a frontiersman and Indian fighter, a veteran of the Revolution, and fought as a Colonel at King’s Mountain, just an all-around frontier hero – I thought I might make a knife in his honor– this type of old plain knife might be what he might have carried during his early years, when he was fighting Indians at Point Pleasant…Possibly even carved his initials “I.S.” in the handle. In his older years, Shelby was called up again to fight for his country, this time in the War of 1812. What’s this knife got to do with a War of 1812 auction theme? Even though he was a pretty old man by 1813, he served under General Harrison at the Battle of the Thames in 1813 and this type of knife might just have been one carried by him at that time, left over from his younger days.

Shelby was found of the saying, “United we stand, Divided we fall” from a favorite song of his so I thought it would be appropriate to add that on a brass plate and attach it to the handle. Kind of a commemoration to his many years of service to his country.

I really feel honored to be able to donate to the auction this year and help this great organization to keep alive this great time in American history. Thanks to all the other artists for their hard work in their donations this year, too. Glad to be a part of a great group of artists.”

Glen Mock.

Click here to see more images of the Isaac Shelby Commemorative Knife by Glen Mock

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today     Written by Heinz Ahlers

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.

Plug Bayonet by Todd Daggett

Written by Heinz Ahlers

Todd Daggett is a carpenter by trade and a blacksmith for love of the art. He is an active member of the CLA and a member of the American Mountain Men since 1995. Todd strongly supports the CLA mission and says the Lexington Show is the only show he does all year.

The plug bayonet is an early form of bayonet that is associated with use by the Canadian militia forces and native tribes during the French and Indian War and later. This one is a close copy of an original French and Indian War piece displayed at the Fort de Buade Museum in St. Ignace, Michigan. The benefit of this style bayonet (which was obsolete in the military by the mid-eighteenth century), was that it allowed non-military smoothbore firearms the use of a bayonet. The handle of the plug bayonet could be inserted into the barrel of fowlers, trade fusils, and other smoothbore firearms which had no provision of a bayonet lug for the standard socket bayonets. By force fitting the tapered handle into the barrel, the knife could become a bayonet. Another benefit in addition to serving as a bayonet is that it could also be used as a knife since it had a cutting edge and a serviceable handle.

Todd’s plug bayonet has a blade and guard hand forged, drawn and packed from 1-3/8″ x 5/16″ spring stock, hardened and tempered accordingly on a coal forge. The other mounts are made from mild steel, shaped and polished with hand tools. The handle is hard maple stained using an aqua Fortis and gunstock finish with light aging. The rig is completed with a traditional sheath, a hard maple wood insert wrapped in vegetable tanned cow hide; hand stitched with waxed flax thread and mounted with iron tip with an acorn finial, top guard and stud, all lightly aged.

Todd said he chose this work to support the CLA auction because “it is challenging work on a coal forge but, when done well is of heirloom quality. The kind of quality that I hope will be handed down for many years, even after I am long gone.” This plug bayonet meets Todd’s goal.

Todd’s contact information is:

Todd Daggett 2465 N. Gonnam Rd. Morris, IL 60450 Home (815) 941-1231 Cell (815) 735-6664 Email: tdaggett@wildblue.net

Click here to see more images of the Plug Bayonet by Todd Daggett

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

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.

A Tansel Style Powder Horn by Jeff Bottiger

On the sleepy Indiana frontier, led by their War of 1812 veteran patriarch, a family of prolific hornsmiths carved their way into American folk art history. Francis Tansel and his sons John, Timothy and Stark produced such a consistent though uniquely decorated powder horn that today their work is instantly recognized and simply called “the Tansel style.”

Though once only regionally appreciated as a “mid-western” powder horn, today top dollar is eagerly paid to own just an average Tansel carved piece. But for a truly fine or early example, discriminating collectors of early American folk art will set records trying to outbid each other.

One of the finer examples of a Tansel carved horn is the “double fish-mouth” or scalloped horn attributed to Francis, circa 1810. Once part of the Dresslar collection this horn has recessed, chip carved scallops at both ends. The center raised portion is carved with standing deer, a bob cat, and interweaving designs. An American war eagle clutching arrows and a vine stands in the center of a cameo cartouche below thirteen stars and the legend “E. Pluribus Unum”.

Full time horn maker Jeff Bottiger of Edgar Springs Missouri has made an exacting copy of this horn for our 2013 CLA fundraising auction.

Jeff’s simple mission statement as a professional hornsmith is “To learn…To Grow…To Share…and To Educate.” Donating such a fine example of his work to the CLA is his way of putting that statement into practice.

Just like the horn crafted by Francis in 1810, Jeff’s example has a traditionally lathe turned and applied spout. The beautiful wooden base plug and strap button are also turned. And the shaping and carving of the horn are all done by hand with files, saws, and knives.

The auction horn has been specially finished and aged to match the look and patina of the original, and is fitted with one of Jeff’s signature heart shaped stopper pegs.

Jeff has captured the true look and feel of an exceptionally fine “Tansel Style Horn”, and just like the originals, it is a fine example of early American folk art in its own right.

More images of Bottiger’s Tansel Horn

You can contact Jeff about his work at: Jeff Bottiger 13851 CR 6040 Edgar Springs MO 65462 Phone: 573-435-0021 Email: jbhorns@fidmail.com

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today

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.

Squire Boone Pipe Ax and the War of 1812

Brian Anderson of Bristol Vermont is a well-known gunsmith, artist, teacher, and blacksmith, and he offered to put his skills to work for our 2013 “CLA Fundraising Auction” by making us a copy of the “Squire Boone Pipe Axe”.

When you think of the Boones, you don’t often think of their involvement in the War of 1812, and the little known story of Squire’s personal pipe ax is a good illustration of that point. Unlike their war service, it is generally known that the Boone brothers, Daniel and Squire were both handy at the forge, so handy that they even made guns. Several artifacts still exist that are attributed to their hands, including a very special pipe axe that is currently curated by the Indiana Museum.

The axe was originally forged by Squire, and later traded to his brother-in-law, Mr. Benjamin Van Cleve, for a cow. Then, during the War of 1812 Benjamin’s soldier son William carried and used the family heirloom all the way to the Battle of New Orleans.

Brian Anderson copied Squire’s work by forge welding several pieces of wrought iron buggy tire into a bar or billet that was hammered out into the tomahawk head, accurately copying the Boone piece right down to the inserted steel bit. Next, following tradition, a small section of rifle barrel was fitted and brazed onto the head to serve as the pipe bowl. After that everything was patiently hand worked and filed into its final shape. Finally, just like Squire did on the original, Brian used an ash sapling for the axe’s haft.

From whimsical folk art pieces like his wonderful forged iron “Salamander on Wheels” to exacting copies like the “Squire Boone Pipe Axe” made for the 2013 CLA Fundraising Auction, Brian Anderson is a master of his craft, and we are proud to have this special piece in our auction.

More images of Anderson’s Squire Boone Pipe Ax

You can contact Brian at: Brian Anderson 447 Frank Orvis Rd, Bristol, Vermont 05443 Email: brianderson@silversunbeam.com Phone: 802-453-2199

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

For more information about the auction or CLA:   Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today

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.

Chippewa Birchbark Canoe Model by Ray Boessel

Ray Boessel Junior has graciously donated one of his Chippewa-style birch bark canoes as an auction item for the 2013 CLA show in Lexington. It is a scaled down version (model) of the larger size he makes at his canoe shop in Northern Minnesota, near the Big Fork River. It measures five feet long and almost a foot wide. The materials in its construction are the exactly the same as his large canoes. White birch bark is used for the hull of the canoe with the various pieces stitched together with spruce roots that have been split for that purpose. The stitched seams are then caulked. The ribs, thwart risers and gunwales are all made of white cedar.

Ray Boessel began building bark canoes in 1981 after being taught the craft by his wife Christy and her grandfather, Bill Hafeman, who produced canoes from 1921 to 1983 through the name of Hafeman Boat Works. Bill and Ray have both received national attention about them and their craft. Bill was a nationally known and respected bark canoe builder and in 1982 was interviewed by Charles Kuralt and featured on the CBS evening news, “On the Road with Charles Kuralt”. In 2008 Steve Hartman did a follow-up on that story for CBS Evening News, focusing on Ray with this segment. In the meantime Bryant Gumble also did a special about Ray on the NBC Today Show in 1994.

Over the years, Ray has made over 325 full size birch bark canoes, two 26 footers and one twenty footer that went to the Milwaukee Public Museum. Of the scaled-down models, Ray said, “I have made at least 100 of them.” Ray makes a number of different canoe styles, but the most popular are the Chippewa style which is identified by the “C” shape of the stern the bow and the Algonquin style, identified by a straighter bow and stern profile. Ray has also built Maliseet and Tetes-de-Boule styles.

For the person wanting to display something from the fur trade era or American Indian culture, Ray Boessel’s birch bark canoe would make a nice addition in a home, school, museum or even a place of business. — Mark Sage

Ray’s contact information: Ray Boessel P.O. Box 121 Big Fork, MN 56628 218-743-3709. Email: rcboesl@bigfork.com

More images of Boessel’s Chippewa Birchbark Canoe

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor

For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association

Join the CLA Today

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.

A Circa 1810~1825 Pouch and Horn Set by Donald Shaver

CLA artist Donald Shaver handcrafted this circa 1810 to 1825 hunting pouch and horn set for the 2013 CLA fundraising auction. The pouch is based on the one seen on page 25 of Madison Grant’s book “The Kentucky Rifle Hunting Pouch”. He crafted the traditional deep “D” shaped pouch itself from bark tanned cow hide and like the original that had a strap made of old time “listing”, Donald used an old woven strap that he had on hand, made by C.J. Wilde of Wilde Weavery.

Like the pouch, the accompanying powder horn is based on an original too – one in the museum at Old Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg, KY. The unique engraved brass base plug decoration with its hand forged iron strap ring and staple arrangement closely copy the original, and serve to set this piece off. The horn hangs on a separate woven cloth strap, and is outfitted with a handmade powder measure.

In Donald’s words, “This hunting pouch set is representative of many others that once served our American backwoodsmen during the war of 1812 era” and is his way of showing how the often overlooked old time skills used to make them can be preserved so they don’t just fade away.

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.

About his creation of the hunting pouch and horn set he made and generously donated to the 2013 CLA Fund Raising Auction, Donald has this say, “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.

More images of Shaver’s Pouch and Horn Set

You can contact Donald at: Donald Shaver 360 North Murphy Pahrump NV. 89060 Phone: 702-465-1638 Email: ShaverDonald@hotmail.com

Join the CLA Today

The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor