Missouri Commemorative Horn and Hearts Bag by Jeff Bottiger and Matthew Fennewald

Horn by Jeff Bottiger of Excelsior Springs, MO and Bag w/Measure, Brush, and Pick, by Matthew Fennewald of Clarksburg, MO.

The Hearts Bag by Matthew Fennewald, is a simple but functional bag that started out as bark-tanned deerhide.  The bag is hand-stitched with linen thread, decorated with hearts stamped with a stamp handmade by Jeff Bottiger.  The button is cow-horn.  The bag is stitched with linen thread, unlined, with one inside pocket. Its size is approximately 8” wide by 9” deep.  This is a simple, highly useable bag, in a style used for over a century and a half on the American frontiers.

The powder horn is of cow-horn, extensively finished by Jeff Bottiger. The horn is decorated with scrimshaw and a heart-shaped carving with a raised “1821” to commemorate the year of Missouri statehood.  The front horn strap goes through a hole which pierces the front of the horn, which is a style unique to Jeff.

This is a nicely styled set with matching heart themes that would go great with a late flintlock or early percussion rifle.  Both Jeff and Matt are regular supporters of the auction.

Jeff Bottiger’s contact is: ozarkhorns@gmail.com

Matthew Fennewald’s contact is: m.fennewald@hotmail.com

Text by Paul Fennewald

Photography by David Wright