Fundraising

Hunting pouch and knife by Gary Tingler and Travis Bauer

This well-crafted hunting pouch with a bag knife in a detachable sheath are the result of a collaboration between Gary Tingler and Travis Bauer.  The medium sized southern style bag is made from brain tanned elk hide, an uncommon material with a nice weight and feel.  Gary sewed this up with waxed linen thread and the bag knife sheath is attached with a copper button. The flap has a cartouche of rattlesnake skin setting it off.   Travis Bauer contributed this...

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 Tucker’s work, the piece is constructed with historically appropriate materials. The artist...

Southern Banded Horn by Billy Griner

Artist Billy Griner is well known in the longrifle culture as a master of the southern banded horn. For this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction, Griner donated a typically remarkable example of his work. The horn is in the style of original pieces typically produced in colonial Randolph County, North Carolina. This elegant, diminutive horn is 9 ¾” long from tip to tip and measures 11 ¾” around the curve.  An amazing amount of intricate turning is on display in this...

Quilled Leg Ties by Bill Wright

During the French and Indian War, Captain Pierre Pouchot kept a meticulous record of the remarkable tribal cultures that he encountered in the North American wilderness. A keen observer, Pouchot left a priceless record of seemingly insignificant details which others easily overlooked. When explaining the dress of France’s Indian allies, Pouchot described a minor but vital part of a warrior’s leg wear. “They wear garters of beads, or porcupine quills,” wrote Pouchot, “bordered four fingers wide, which are tied...

Nineteenth Century War Club by Gordon Barlow

Authentic war clubs are perennial favorites for collectors of Early American arms and art, and attendees at this year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction have some excellent pieces from which to choose. Virginia artist and collector Gordon Barlow’s donation to this year’s auction is a truly fearsome piece that will nicely round out any collection.  This robust club is patterned after an original Teton Sioux war club from the early nineteenth century. Barlow built his club from a finely figured plank...

Ball Headed War Club by Lawrence Reed

Traditionally, works of art have often served to make powerful political statements. Moravian missionary John Heckewelder, who spent a lifetime among the Delaware of the Ohio country, described one such grim tradition among the western tribes. In rectifying an insult, revenging war parties would penetrate their enemy’s country, unleash an ambush, and then leave a war club at the scene of the attack. “This war club,” explained Heckewelder, “is purposely left that the enemy may know to what nation...

Knife, Bag, and Horn Set by Adam Daub, Daniel Boehringer, and Henry Bowman

Knife, Bag, and Horn Set by Adam Daub, Daniel Boehringer, and Henry Bowman Quality hunting rigs are a perennial favorite with collectors and shooters, and this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction features a visually stunning set created by the artistic trio of Adam Daub, Daniel Boehringer, and Henry Bowman. The rig is built around a heart shaped bag by Daniel Boehringer. He describes it as a southern style bag made of 2-3 oz. vegetable tanned leather. Dyed with walnut hulls and a...

Bag and Horn Set by Tom Greco

Auction artist Tom Greco can always be counted on to produce topnotch pieces for the CLF Fundraising Auction. His donation to this year’s event is no exception. His set is built around a native-inspired open-top hunting bag. It’s a museum quality reproduction that has the look of a centuries-old original. The bag is made from brain-tanned leather and sports a deep brown patina achieved with walnut hull dye; it was given a protective coat of bear grease. The bag is...

Early American Pistol by James Turpin

For the 25th Anniversary of the Contemporary Longrifle Association, CLA craftsmen have produced some of the finest artwork to be offered in the annual fundraising auction. A truly exquisite offering this year is a fine gentleman’s pistol by one of the best makers working today: James Turpin. Working largely with reclaimed materials, Turpin created a masterpiece. This early handgun, explains the artist, could be considered “either English or American” as American gunsmiths routinely mimicked the work of makers from the...

Neck Knife and Quilled Sheath by Frank and Lally House

This neck knife and quilled sheath were created by Frank House and Lally House. Frank forged this knife with a finely balanced 4 1/2-inch-long blade and mounted it to an antler handle with a through tang. The handle is finished with silver mounts.  There is an interesting pommel on the butt of the knife with a protrusion serving as a bullet starter.  The knife is what you would expect from one of the leading knife smithing teachers in the CLA.This...

Fighting Knife from a Broken Sword by Joe Seabolt

Nothing was wasted on the American frontier.  Swords and small swords were common with militia officers and it was not uncommon for a sword to be broken in use. The remains of such a quality piece of steel would be quickly salvaged and reworked.For this recreation Joe Seabolt had to first recreate the quality sword blade-work of a master bladesmith.  This blade shows the double fullers and precise ricasso and choil work of a quality sword,  and represents the...

Knife, sheath and display by Verlin Cossel

This rifleman’s knife, sheath, small war club, and display stand are a unique set from the clever hands and mind of CLA artist Verlin Cossel.  The knife has a 7 ¼-inch hand-forged blade. Verlin studied knife making with the House brothers and had additional input from Sam Stoner, a Mennonite blacksmith.  The 1084 carbon steel blade has a 4-inch handle of deer leg bone. The sheath is walnut dyed deerskin hand-sewn over a deer raw-hide liner. Walnut stain was also...

Nineteenth Century Hunting Bag by Jeff Luke

CLA artist Jeff Luke is a skilled craftsman and consistent auction supporter. His donation to this year’s fundraising auction is an attractive and sturdy hunting rig for the modern frontiersman. As Luke explains it, this bag and horn set “represents my interpretation of one that might have been crafted and carried by an early 19th century hunter or trapper, skilled in his abilities with hide and stitching.” Luke’s pouch is a classic heart design, constructed of heavy bark tanned deer...

Tomahawk by Don Shaver engraving by Frank House

This fine tomahawk was forged by Don Shaver from an old hammer head.  This tough steel makes a good axe. The pipe bowl is worked from an old gun barrel, a traditional touch. The haft is ash wood that Don salvaged from the emerald ash borer. Like many originals, this axe does not have a smoke hole bored through the handle. With its French influenced shape, it is a good working axe.  Frank House has engraved the decorative silver...

Forged Knife by Todd Butler

Alabama artist Todd Butler is known for making truly exquisite custom knives that sport elegant lines and razor-sharp blades. Butler returns to this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction with a stellar offering that’s sure to elicit competitive bidding. Butler’s knife, which measures in at over fifteen inches in length, carries an imposing ten-inch-long blade forged from 1075 steel. The top of the blade features a false edge, while the bottom of the blade sports Spanish notches, which, Butler explains, are inspired...

Continental Marines Powder Horn by Ron Hess

Powder horns are naturally a big hit at the CLF Fundraising Auction, but artist Ron Hess has donated a truly unique piece for this year’s event.    Thanks to the research efforts of the Honorable Company of Horners, Hess was able to create a faithful reproduction of one of the most priceless treasures from the Revolutionary War. HCH members were granted access to the original Isaac Ackley horn, which is now in the collection of the National Museum of the Marine...

Early 19th Century Hunting Pouch Set By Lawrence Fiorillo, Todd Hambrick, Casey McClure

EARLY 19TH CENTURY HUNTING POUCH SET By Lawrence Fiorillo, Todd Hambrick, Casey McClure Dimensions: 8 ½” wide x 9” high By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright Lawrence Fiorillo, Todd Hambrick and Casey McClure have donated this great looking Hunting set with a homespun air to this year’s auction.  Created around a bark tanned, ample sized hunting pouch this rig is loaded with fine touches.  The finely fringed trim on the bag, the rolled edge and the lined flap show Larry's leather working...

Bag and Horn Set by: Jeff Luke

BAG AND HORN SET by Jeff Luke Bag size:  Height 10”    Width  7 ½” Powder horn: 13” Outside curve By Joshua Shepherd Photography by H. David Wright Whether they’re carried afield for a day’s hunt or hung as period décor in your home, few period crafts exude the alure of the early frontier as well as a nicely paired hunting bag and horn. This year’s CLF fundraising auction features a stellar set crafted by artist Jeff Luke. Luke created a quintessential hunter’s set to reflect what...

Hunting Pouch Set by Calvin Tanner, Ron Hess and Louise Hess

HUNTING POUCH SET By Calvin Tanner, Ron Hess and Louise Hess Pouch: 7” X 8 1/2”     Powder horn: Length 12“  Butt dia. 2 ½“ By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright The design of the pouch was inspired by an existing 18th century pouch. Calvin feels the set is one that represents a common pouch of that era. One that would have been carried by a long hunter or settler coming into the western area of Virginia, the Carolina's, or the Ohio Valley. The...

Hunting Bag and Knife by Gary Tingler and Casey McClure

HUNTING BAG AND KNIFE by Gary Tingler and Casey McClure Bag: 8 1/2" wide by 9 1/2" deep. Patch knife  9" long. By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright Gary Tingler and Casey McClure have created a this simple but extraordinarily well made hunting bag and knife set.  The bag is made of a dark nicely grained buffalo leather with a matching strap.  The edges are welted and show careful stitching, The shape has a nicely tapered bottom and there is a welted...

Horn Spoon & Stand by Henry Bowman

HORN SPOON & STAND Length: 8 ½” By Henry Bowman By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright The horn spoon donated to this year’s CLF fundraising auction by artist Henry Bowman is a unique work of art that’s sure to grace any collection of early American collectibles. “The inspiration for this piece,” explains the artist, “came while I was looking at photos of 19th-century effigy spoons made by the tribes of the Pacific northwest.” Bowman’s contemporary interpretation of tribal art has resulted in a...

Long Knife by Adam Daub

LONG KNIFE Length: 15 ½”   Blade: 10 ½” By Adam Daub By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright Any knife maker will tell you, the longer the blade, the more care you have to take at every step in the process.  Forging, hardening, tempering need all to be right on to avoid cracks, warps, and brittle spots.  When you do everything right you get one like Adam Daub has donated to this year’s fund raising auction. The legendary knife of the American frontiersman, (hence...

Pipe Tomahawk by Simeon England, Mike Miller, and Kyle Willyard

PRESENTATION PIPE TOMAHAWK Length  21 1/2"     Head 5 1/2" tall. By Simeon England, Mike Miller, and Kyle Willyard By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright The name tomahawk is a combination of tribal and English words. Algonquin and Lenape peoples called their lightweight axes "tamahak," "tamahakan" European Americans pronounced these words as "tomahawk." They liked the size and weight of the original tool, but made their own adaptation by replacing the stone heads with iron heads having steel blades. Tribes who had never...

Rifleman’s Knife by Todd Butler

RIFLEMAN’S KNIFE by Todd Butler By Joshua Shepherd Photography by David Wright Collectors of fine knives just can’t seem to acquire too many blades, but it’s a rare thing indeed for a knife to perfectly blend artistic aesthetics with rugged functionality. At this year’s CLF fundraising auction, bidders will have the opportunity to purchase a collector’s grade knife that’s worthy of display in the home or office, but will also perform flawlessly in the field. Alabama artist Todd Butler’s offering at this year’s event...

Tavern Smoker’s Companion by Greg Bray

TAVERN SMOKER’S COMPANION By Greg Bray Size:  14” x 5” By Joshua Shepherd Photography by H. David Wright Despite the fact that the habit of smoking tobacco has largely fallen out of favor in modern America, the practice was ubiquitous in colonial America. From the drawing rooms of Philadelphia to the farthest reaches of the frontier, “making smoke” crossed the societal bounds of class and culture. For this year’s CLF fundraising auction, artist Greg Bray has created a truly unique offering for collectors. “It’s a...

Northwest Trade Gun by Doug Warren

NORTHWEST TRADE GUN by Doug Warren By Joshua Shepherd Photography by H. David Wright Classic firearms from America’s past are naturally at the heart of the modern Longrifle Culture. Collectors at this year’s CLF fundraising auction will have the opportunity to acquire a truly iconic weapon that saw broad use across the early American frontier: the Northwest Trade Gun. Artist Doug Warren has donated a truly unique version of the ubiquitous British trade gun. Easy to carry, quick to load, with tremendous stopping power...

Heart of the Hearth Original Painting by Maria Freed

HEART OF THE HEARTH ORIGINAL PAINTING by Maria Freed by Joshua Shepherd Photography by H. David Wright Examples of traditional fine art appear at the annual CLF fundraising auction only occasionally. For this year’s event, artist Maria Freed has contributed a lovely original painting for the benefit of the Contemporary Longrifle Association. Freed’s original painting, Heart of the Hearth, pays homage to the traditional center of family life. “Unfocus for a moment,” explains the artist, “and you can notice the heart shape formed by the pattern...

Colonial Fowler by James Frost & Powder Horn by Mike Small

COLONIAL FOWLER by James Frost POWDER HORN by Mike Small By Joshua Shepherd Photography by David Wright When it comes to sheer versatility in the field, few period firearms can compare to the smooth bore fowler. Capable of taking a wide spectrum of wild game, fowlers saw extensive use in early America as humble meat guns. But in a very real sense, the weapon helped shape the United States. During the early days of the Revolutionary War, New England militia units regularly took...

Quilled Hat Band by Djuana Tucker

QUILLED HAT BAND by Djuana Tucker   By Joshua Shepherd Photography by Lon Brauer 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 fund-raising auction. Typical of Tuckers work,...

The Scout Set

THE SCOUT SET By Joshua Shepherd Photography by H. David Wright At its core, the Contemporary Longrifle Association is a community of collaborative artists who share an enthusiasm for early American heritage. For this year’s fundraising auction, Shelly Gier organized an effort by a score of CLA artists to produce “The Scout Set”, a truly remarkable collection of practical tools for the modern frontiersman. The Scout Set is built around a superb knapsack crafted by artist Shelly Gier. Gier refined the design of...

Fishing Themed Powder Horn & Bait Horn Set by Albert Emanuel

Powder Horn length: 9 1/4" Bait Horn length 4 1/2" Hunting and fishing are twin pursuits that have shaped outdoor life throughout American history. For this year's CLF fundraising auction, Arizona artist Albert "Ace" Emanuel has crafted a stunning pair of horns that will be useful on the hunt or by the lake. Emanuel's powder horn is a fine example of the flat variety, fitted with a poplar base plug. The stopper was crafted from horn, carved into the shape of a...

Longhunters Knife by Chad Matthews

LONGHUNTERS KNIFE by Chad Matthews Length: 13 1/2”   Blade: 8 3/4” By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright The CLF is proud to present this classically styled long hunters knife by Chad Matthews.  The carbon steel blade is combined with a classic s shaped cross guard and bolster. Both are also of carbon steel. The blade length is 8 3/4”  and overall is 13 1/2”. This is a fine looking traditional knife with a striking curly maple grip.  The blade is made from an...

Woodbury School Belt Knife & Sheath by Verlin Cossel

Length: 10 1/2" Verlin Cossel forged this dandy belt knife in the Woodbury tradition. It feature a 6 2/8 inch blade carefully forged out of 1095 carbon steel. The blade has dual touch marks and a nice aged finish. A poured pewter bolster and a coin silver butt cap secure the antler handle to the knife. To finish out its Woodbury pedigree the bolster and butt cap are engraved by Hershel House himself. This is a finely balanced, nice handling knife....

Southern Banded Horn by Billy Griner

Length: 11 1/2" outside curve A reliable powder horn is a necessity for the blackpowder shooter, and this year’s CLF fundraising auction features a truly exceptional example of the horner’s craft by artist Billy Griner. Griner’s donation is a quintessential example of the southern banded horn. “This particular horn,” explains the artist, “is a contemporary squirrel rifle horn made in my Satilla River style.” The horn measures eleven and a half inches along the long curve, and features three decorative bands...

Kings Mountain Bag and Horn by Jack Weeks and Rick Lorenzen

Hunting Bag - 8 inch X 9 inch, Horn 16 inches on outside curve Jack Weeks and Rick Lorenzen have assembled a rig typical of those used by American Patriots that hailed from the back country settlements in Virginia, North Carolina, and what is now Kentucky and Tennessee. These "Over mountain Men" from the western slope of the crest of the Blue Ridge, mustered at Sycamore Shoals, near present Elizabethtown, Tennessee for the march on Colonel Patrick Ferguson's Loyalist troops...

18th Century Folding Knife by Scott Summerville

Length: Open - 9” Closed 5” Whether you’re headed to the backcountry for an 18th century trek or bound for a desk job in the big city, a reliable pocket knife is a gentleman’s necessity. Perennial auction supporter Scott Summerville has once again generously donated a top-quality reproduction folding knife for this year’s CLF fundraising auction. Summerville explains that this knife is based on an original piece from his collection which was found in upper Michigan near the colonial fur trade...

Woodbury Style Knife by Heinz Ahlers

Length: 11 ¾”.  Blade, 7 ¼” A razor-sharp blade fitted with an antler handle remains not only a practical tool for the modern outdoorsman, but an iconic symbol of America’s frontier past. Bidders at this year’s CLF fundraising auction will have the opportunity to own a truly classic example of the frontier belt knife by one of modern America’s best blade smiths. Former auction chairman and veteran knife maker Heinz Ahlers lent his considerable talents in crafting a robust knife that’s...

Flintlock Pistol by Dennis Kelley

Every black powder hunter has a dream of owning a flintlock pistol. This beautiful maple stocked, iron mounted, flintlock pistol by Dennis Kelley will make that dream come true. With this flintlock, Dennis’s has captured an outstanding style that is associated with the traditional style of an American made flintlock pistol. His attention to detail, amazing wood and wood finish makes this flintlock pistol an outstanding addition to any collection. This beautiful flintlock pistol is .40 caliber and is...

Classic Frontier Hunting Pouch with Powder Horn by Cory Stewart

Cory has provided to the CLF a wonderful frontier style hunting pouch that has an adjustable  cloth strap complete with hand stitched leather holding an iron buckle.  The pouch comes with a powder horn that has a filed antler spout and a plug that is decorated with brass tacks. This hunting pouch is an essential accoutrement for the black powder hunter. Our October CLF Live Auction will afford the bidders the opportunity  to own this wonderful hunting pouch by...

Saga of the Longknife

One of the keystone offerings of this years CLF fundraising auction is the collective creation of eight CLA member artists. Christened the Saga of the Longknife by its creators, this piece constitutes a stunning, mixed media sculptural set composed of superbly executed, functional art. The entire set is created around a folk-art carving by artist Matt Fennewald, who used a mix of woods including pecan, walnut, and cherry to assemble the body of the sculpture, which is scaled...

Double Beaver Hunting Bag by Bill Smith

The hunting pouch, explains Kentucky artist Bill Smith, is an icon of the American frontier used in the 18th and 19th centuries. But the modern frontiersman remains in need of a reliable bag for the woods or the range, and for this years CLF fundraising auction Smith has once again donated one of his renowned hunting bags. Smith's bags are widely regarded for their robust functionality, and this piece exceeds expectations. The body of the bag, which is made from...

Quilled Hatband 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 hasnt 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 years fund-raising auction. Typical of Tuckers work, the piece is constructed with historically appropriate...

.54 Caliber Gentlemans Pistol by Ken Stanley and Chuck Edwards

Few weapons capture the artistic grandeur of the flintlock era quite like a refined gentlemans pistol, and this year the CLF is pleased to present a truly stunning example by gunsmiths Ken Stanley and Chuck Edwards. Inspired by a pistol originally created by Pennsylvania's legendary Kuntz family of gunsmiths, Stanley created this exquisite handgun around a .54 caliber, 10 3/4, rifled barrel, stocked in curly maple. Stanley entirely scratch built the sterling silver furniture for this piece, including the...

Polled Tomahawk and Sheath by Simeon England, Kyle Willyard, and Shelly Gier

Text by Simeon England A collaborative effort by Simeon England, Kyle Willyard, and Shelly Gier, this tomahawk is heavily based on Englands research into early belt axes, referred to as polled tomahawks in the period, carried by backcountry frontiersmen. Though a bit more refined than what would commonly be seen on the frontier, the engraving and level of finish are similar to many existing examples of pipe tomahawks made by colonial gunsmiths. England and Willyard worked together in forging the tomahawk,...

Eighteenth Century Folding Knife by Scott Summerville

In November of 1766, the English firm of Robert Cary and Company issued an invoice for miscellaneous goods to an up-and-coming Virginia planter who was largely tethered to the mother country for the manufactured goods necessary on his plantation. For various items including silk, nails, buttons, and cheese, George Washington was billed the respectable sum of 161. Included in the shipment was one item clearly intended for a gentleman of standing: 1 fine pocket knife, London made, for the...

Bag and Horn Set by Tom Greco

Artisan Tom Greco is well known as a maker of distinctive, top-quality frontier art. Not surprisingly, he's contributed a standout bag and horn set for this years CLF fundraising auction. The body of Greco's unique possibles bag is crafted from goat hide, which is richly colored with a brown leather dye and a sealing coat of grease. The warm color of the bag contrasts nicely with the outer flap, as well as the flap of a smaller pocket, which...

Early American Hanging Shelf by Patrick Thevenow

While most blackpowder enthusiasts are outdoorsmen by nature, even the most die-hard frontiersman enjoys the comforts of home. For this years CLF fundraising auction, artist Patrick Thevenow has donated a fine piece of reproduction home dcor thats sure to tastefully complement a wide range of design schemes. Thevenows hanging wall shelf is inspired by an original set of built-in cupboards constructed by an Indiana cabinetmaker circa-1818. Fittingly enough, the piece is constructed of solid tulip poplar, the state tree of...

Lobed Horn and Hunting Bag by Tim Crosby and Marc Hamel

Tim Crosby and Marc Hamel teamed up to create a superb colonial era bag and horn set for this years CLF fundraising auction. The architecture of Hamels cowhide hunting bag is inspired by an eighteenth century engraving that depicts a rifleman wearing a similar bag. The bag is made from 2-3 ounce cowhide, tooled and dyed by Hamel. The main flap is 4-5 ounce cowhide, and the saddle stitching is waxed linen. The welt, edge binding and internal pocket...

Possibles Bag by Gary Tingler & Kris Polizzi

Faithful CLA supporter and skilled craftsman Gary Tingler has created another outstanding hunting bag for this years CLF fundraising auction. This piece is a gracefully proportioned possibles bag entirely hand-crafted from hard-wearing buffalo leather, with edges bound in deerskin. The bag, graced with a rich brown patina, has a handy inner pocket, and comes complete with a pewter-capped pick and brush set handmade by Tingler. The bag, which is entirely handstitched in waxed linen thread, is paired with an...

Neck Knife and Quilled Sheath by Virgil Henle and Christie Suchora

During the Seven Years War, French military engineer Pierre Pouchot was intrigued by Native American warriors who habitually wore remarkably decorated knife sheaths as a badge of status. The Indians always have one suspended round their neck, explained Pouchot. Their knife is hung from the neck, he wrote, and falls upon the breastthey regard this property as sacred as their children. Attendees at this years CLF fundraising auction will have the opportunity to acquire a truly outstanding neck knife and...