2024 Fundraising Archives - Contemporary Longrifle Foundation

Lot 30: Whiskey Flask by Albert Emanuel

Even the toughest of frontiersmen occasionally need to be fortified. Albert Emanuel’s contribution to this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction will fit the bill. Emmanuel has created a perfectly sized and tastefully decorated whiskey flask. The piece, made from flattened cow horn, measures 3 ½ inches wide and 5 ½ inches tall. One side of the horn features the inscription “Ye Mild Scot Aged Fine Whiskey.” The opposite side of the horn features a European stag mounted by engravings of a...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 29: Bowie Knife by Trey Scott

The Bowie knife is an American original: rugged, fierce, and as imposing as the frontier that gave birth to the legendary blade. With good reason, the quintessential Bowie is popular with collectors, and bidders at this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction will have the opportunity to own a truly stellar example by Pennsylvania artist Trey Scott. Scott fashioned the 8-inch-long blade from 1075 steel; the surface of the knife possesses a striking mirror-like finish and has been honed to a razor...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 28: Quilled Hat Band by Djuana Tucker

During the 18th and 19th centuries, no self-respecting gentleman, or scoundrel for that matter, would consider venturing into public without a hat. For the modern-day frontiersman headed for the range, the rendezvous, or the woods, that hasn’t changed. For those hoping to set their headgear apart from the crowd, CLA artist Djuana Tucker has donated a unique quill wrapped rawhide hatband to this year’s fundraising auction. Typical of Tuckers work, the piece is constructed with historically appropriate materials. The artist...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 27: Ball Headed War Club by Doran Carr

This year’s CLF Fundraising Auction will be pleased to present a quintessential example of the Native American ball headed war club. Favored for centuries, such clubs could be considered status symbols as well as weapons. Carr’s piece is in the style of 18th century Great Lakes effigy clubs. Although many modern reproductions are simply made from plain sawn lumber, Carr’s club, true to the originals, was painstakingly carved from the root ball of a sugar maple stump. The club’s ball,...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 26: Fraktur Painting by Beckie Mooneyhan

For a refreshing splash of period home decor, this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction is pleased to present an original Fraktur painting by artist Beckie Mooneyhan. Mooneyhan is perhaps best known for her period textile creations, but she explains that for this year’s auction, “I tried to create something out of my comfort zone.” Her fraktur painting is a delightful example of 18th century Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. The image, which was executed with watercolor, is loosely based on an original...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 25: Hunting Bag by Terry Smith

Terry Smith’s contribution to this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction will make a very unique addition to any collection. It’s a sturdy hunter’s bag that’s perfectly suited for use by the modern frontiersman; but it will serve equally well as an eye-catching piece of period decor for your home. Smith’s bag is made from an original remnant of 19th century coverlet. The coverlet features a pleasant floral motif that tastefully accents the front of the bag. The bag is fully lined...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 24: Two Gen Zers, two Gen Xers, and a Boomer walk into a bar and…

Now, imagine a very young soldier in the1800s who had lost everything in battle. Desperately, he searches about the battlefield hoping to piece together a rifle and accouterments only to find nothing more than broken and damaged pieces. Lacking any professional skills, and even talent, he uses his very limited resources to patch together as best he can a powder horn; a rifle pouch; and a couple of knives. While not as beautiful as their original appearance, these pieces...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 23: The Eagle Set by Ron Hess

Artist Ron Hess had donated a stellar shooter’s rig for this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction which he’s christened the “Eagle Set.” Ron crafted the powder horn for this outstanding set. He describes it as an applied tip powder horn that features a large engraving of a Tansel-style Federal eagle. The horn is fitted with a leather strap, and the base plug features a brass medallion inlaid with the characters “CLA”, as well as the year the horn was made. The set...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 22: Mid-South Hunting Rig by Brad Mills and John Barrett

This mid-Southern hunting pouch is the result of an eight month collaboration between Brad Mills and John Barrett that began at the 2023 CLA Show in Lexington, Kentucky. Brad constructed the bag using a mixture of vegetable tanned leather, home tanned, and brain tanned deerskin. The strap on the bag is vegetable tanned cowhide with inlaid diamonds of home tanned deerskin. Brad fabricated the knife sheath using rawhide and home tanned deer leather, along with producing sterling silver buttons and...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 21: Scott Summerville Folding Knife by Scott Summerville

Scott Summerville is one of the CLA’s premium knifemakers. Scott specialize in folding knives and every year Scott donates a special knife to the CLF Fundraising Auction. His work is comparable to the finest Sheffeild work from the early twentieth century with authentic 18th century style. They are excellent users. This year’s knife continues this CLA tradition. In Scott’s own words: “It is based on one that Colonial Williamsburg has in their collection with decorative raised ribs on the bolsters....

2024 Fundraising

Lot 20: Heart Shaped Bag by Cory Joe Stewart

Artist Cory Joe Stewart has created an outstanding example of the classic heart-shaped bag for this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction. It’s a stellar piece fully appropriate for the field, but is a work of art suitable for display in home or office. Stewart crafted the body of the bag from bark tanned deer hide; the interior is fully lined with linen. The bag is fitted with a strap by noted artist Kris Polizzi. This utilitarian shooter’s bag is also visually stunning....

2024 Fundraising

Lot 19: Rum Horn by Kathy England and Denise Cossel

Folks in Early America could be notorious for a prodigious consumption of strong drink. Artists Kathy England and Denise Cossel have collaborated on a unique horn for this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction that pays fitting tribute to our thirsty forebears. England scratch built the horn and added expert - if whimsical - engraving. The ring surrounding the horn’s wooden stopper was hand cut from sterling silver. The surface of the horn is decorated with pleasant engraving that includes traditional scrollwork,...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 18: Longhunter Sash by Christine Tolbert

This 18th century style longhunter sash is woven with linen thread in dark gold, medium brown, dark olive green, and Shetland wool, the color of golden autumn foliage. On the loom, the linen threads make up the warp and run the length of the sash, becoming the twisted fringe at each end once the piece is finished. This linen is some of the finest quality thread available for weavers today, and was processed, spun, and dyed in Sweden using environmentally...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 17: Double Pouch Bag Set by Frank Willis, Nathan Allen, and Jim Pease

The trio of Frank Willis, Nathan Allen, and Jim Pease created an outstanding blackpowder rig for this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction. Willis created the bag for this set from 4 and 5 ounce vegetable tanned leather, sewn with waxed linen thread. It’s a close copy of an original bag, and finished off with Fiebing’s walnut pro stain. Nathan Allen forged an attractive knife for this set, featuring a hand carved handle with a patterned pewter bolster; it’s accompanied with a...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 16: Eighteenth Century Style Folding Knife by Tyler Mazer

Tyler Mazer has created this quality folding knife for this year’s auction. This is a hand forged knife with hand filing and fitting. Based on a blend of folder styles found in “Swords and Knives of the American Revolution” and an original 4 panel folder of Tyler's, this knife features brass bolsters, and side plates. The blade and spring are 1084 high carbon steel. The antler scales are held in place by steel pins. This 3 inch bladed knife...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 15: Knit Cap and Gunnister Bag by Emily Burns and Beverly Simpson

Whether you’re target shooter, hunter, or reenactor, you most definitely need appropriate headgear for your next cold weather adventure. Artist Emily Burns’ contribution to this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction will definitely fit the bill. Burns has donated a period appropriate knit cap that’s both warm and comfortable. The cap is made from high quality merino targhee wool and dyed with madder and sassafras bark. The cap is based on an original found in Gunnister, Scotland. It has a simple turned...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 14: Bag, Horn, and Knife set by Dwight Gallian, Kai Fennewald, Steve Fields, and Kevin Carter

A team of artists, who participated in the CLF New and Aspiring Artists Program in 2023, joined forces to create a fine set for this year’s Fundraising Auction as a thank you to the Foundation. Dwight Gallian created a one-of-a-kind variation of the classic D-shaped hunting bag. The piece is made from deeply colored Tundra Sheep leather, a rare variety usually reserved for high end leather goods. This richly textured bag is fully lined and closes with an antique buckle. Steve...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 13: Woodbury School Frontier Knife by Verlin Cossel

Faithful auction supporter Verlin Cossel has once again donated an outstanding example of his work to this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction. Cossel’s frontier knife is a pleasing blend of solid craftsmanship, pleasing aesthetics, and outright creativity. Cossel has created a stellar example of the quintessential antler-handled knife which also pays homage to the late Hershel House. House was a legend in the Longrifle Culture, graciously mentoring dozens of new craftsmen, including Cossel, into the skills and design themes of the...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 12: Frontier Collaboration by William Schneider, Heather Schneider, Casey McClure,and Elizabeth Ashlee

Survival on the frontier required one to have skills or know someone who had the skills in need. Friends and family provided support in areas where skills were needed. As they gathered at frontier outposts for their regular muster days, the sharing of skills and craft would be put together to make sure the gear for survival was created or repaired. In the spirit of these frontier collaborations we offer this couples collaboration of the kit needed on the frontier. ...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 11: Twined Bag by Kelly Schott

This year’s CLF Fundraising Auction will feature a museum-quality reproduction of a traditional Great Lakes style twined bag. It’s a fresh opportunity for collectors to add a unique and useful piece of art to their collections. The bag is a faithful recreation inspired by an original Anishinaabe bag which is now in the collection of Montreal’s McCord Museum. Schott explains that the bag was created using the traditional and intricate process of single-stick twining. The bag is made as one...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 10: Bag and Horn Set by Sarah Miller and Tim Sanner

For this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction, artists Sarah Miller and Tim Sanner have teamed up to create a unique bag and horn set that’s a work of art in its own right. The rig is built around Miller’s possibles bag. The bag, which measures 6 x 7 inches, is made from goat hide and is entirely hand stitched with linen thread. This surprisingly roomy bag is gusseted, is fully lined with red stripe pillow ticking, and also features an interior...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 9: Rifle Scabbard by Kerry Masarik and Shelly Gier

Every treasured flintlock needs protection when transported to the range or the field. This year’s CLF Fundraising Auction will offer collectors the opportunity to acquire a beautiful rifle scabbard by two of the CLA’s best textile artists. The project started with cotton canvas, beautifully transformed into a work of art by Kerry Masarik. Masarik used a variety of leaves gathered from the forests of North Carolina, including red oak, chestnut oak, elderberry, red maple, redbud, carrot tops, peach, grape, and...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 8: The Tinkers Lantern by Heinz Ahlers and Paul Young

This handmade lantern is in the 18th-century style of home or tavern lanterns. It is not the work of a professional lantern maker, but more in the style of a frontier blacksmith or traveling tinker. All of the metal sections are from leftover flat stock. Mixed brass and copper were hammered into the needed shapes. The construction uses copper rivets and brass screws. There are 3 glass panes with a copper door. The panes are held in place by...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 7: Bag and Horn Set by Jay Blain and Billy Griner

Artists Jay Blain and Billy Griner teamed up to create a straightforward shooter’s rig for this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction. Blain’s contribution is a well-built bag perfect for the modern frontiersman. The artist describes it as a simple flat sewn bag that’s based on a 19th century original from eastern Pennsylvania. The bag, made from vegetable tanned leather, measures eight by eight inches and was entirely hand sewn with waxed linen thread. It features a deep brown patina and...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 6: Frontier Hunting Rig by Jeff Luke, John Rader and Joe D Baxter

For this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction, a trio of the CLA’s finest teamed up to create a unique hunting rig that highlights the role of faith and religion in our country’s history. Jeff Luke explains that he “wanted the set to be indicative of a home-built rig that may have been carried by a common man, of modest means, in the first half of the 19th century.” The set is built around Luke’s hunting bag. The artist describes it as...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 5: Original Hunter’s Home painting by Dave Hasler

Bidders at the CLF Fundraising Auction rarely have the opportunity to acquire original fine art through the exciting yearly event. But attendees at this year’s auction will have a unique chance to own an original painting by noted frontier artist Dave Hasler. The artist explains that the painting, titled Hunter’s Home, can be interpreted in a variety of ways. “He can be entering the woods to begin a hunt,” says Hasler, “or he’s returning with small game in his haversack/game...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 4: Southern Style Rifle by Robert Hill

Artist Robert Hill created an outstanding Southern style rifle for this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction. Hill started with an exceptional blank of very dense curly maple. He crafted an early style rifle with a large stock, wide buttplate, and strong architecture. The stock is married to a 44-inch-long, .54 caliber Rice swamped barrel and a Chambers Colonial Virginia lock. The stock is also adorned with a sliding patchbox, relief carving, and several hand-engraved silver inlays. Hill forged all the furniture...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 3: John Bush Powder Horn by Ron Turner

Ron Turner has submitted an excellent powder horn to this year's auction. This horn is based on an historical example from 1755. The original horn is known as the William Willams horn and was made by John Bush. CLA member Lee Larkin has extensively researched John Bush. We know John Bush was a free black man, born in Massachusetts, and served at Fort William Henry during the French and Indian war. He produced a number of remarkable horns during that...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 2: Rifle by Graig Osborne

Graig Osborne made this splendid .50 caliber, Southern themed rifle for this year’s auction. This is an iron-mounted, high-grade Southern rifle with a captured lid box, carved and engraved. The “captured lid box”, is a box lid totally encapsulated by its single-piece metal surround. It’s usually identified as originating in North Carolina. From North Carolina the style migrated to Kentucky, Tennessee, and further west. Legendary makers such as Thomas Simpson, Jacob Young, the Bryan family, Wylie Higgins, and many...

2024 Fundraising

Lot 1: Fox Squirrel Bag and Horn Set by Ken Scott and Ron Vail

For this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction, artists Ken Scott and Ron Vail have teamed up to create a unique southern style hunter’s rig that combines original thinking with homespun ingenuity. The artists have affectionately christened their donation the “Focks Sqeerl” set. Scott created the sturdy leather bag. It sports a deep brown patina and has the look of a centuries-old original. The front flap of the bag features a down home touch: the hide of a fox squirrel. The bag...

2024 Fundraising