admin, Author at Contemporary Longrifle Foundation - Page 2 of 4

18th Century Puppet by Dale Powers

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by Gordon Barlow Despite the passage of centuries, mankind, at his core, remains the same. Life in the 18th century could entail some pretty serious work, but everyone eventually needs get away from it all. Long before he penned the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson was a hard-working Williamsburg attorney who managed a veritable mountain of court cases. But on April 14, 1769, Jefferson recorded his expenses for a little harmless diversion: he paid 7...

2017 Fundraising

Hunting Pouch, Powder Horn, and Accoutrements by Dwight Umbel, Kris Polizzi, and Jerry Eitnier

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by Ric Lambert and Heinz Ahlers There are few items in a hunters kit as crucial as a trusty possibles bag. For this years CLF fundraising auction, a trio of artisans - Dwight Umbel, Kris Polizzi, and Jerry Eitnier teamed up to create a visually stunning bag and horn set thats sure to become a family heirloom. The bag itself is the creation of CLA artist Dwight Umbel. Umbel crafted the bag from 2-3 oz....

2017 Fundraising

Pistol Case by Jerry Moniot

Pistol Case by Jerry Moniot by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Gordon Barlow Sometimes when you have something really nice, you want to have it in a case that you can open when you want to display it, and close when you want to be a bit more discreet, Also you might prefer not to shove your antique Nicholas-Noel Boutet French officers pistol into a cigar box. Jerry Moniot hand made this finely crafted chest he refers to as a pistol case....

2017 Fundraising

Brooch and Box by Glen Mock

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by H. David Wright The Eighteenth Century was a time of few possessions. Items of personal ornament often doubled with a useful purpose. The treasured family pieces were kept in containers appropriate to their value. Glen Mock has created such a piece for the 2017 Auction. Carefully crafted from natural material this shawl brooch is stunning and elegant. Glen has always been known for his scrimshaw work in horn, bone, antler and other natural materials....

2017 Fundraising

Pouch, Powder Horn, and Accoutrements by Jack Weeks, Rick Lorenzen, Shayna Matthews, and Kenny Nichols

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by H. David Wright CLA artists consistently demonstrate the ability to marry museum-quality aesthetics with rugged practicality. Artist Jack Weeks and a cadre of talented craftsmen have collaborated to produce a truly outstanding bag and horn set for this years CLF fundraising auction. The project is the brainchild of noted CLA artisan Jack Weeks. The basic concept, he explains, was to assemble the equipment a market hunter in the three rivers area would have carried to...

2017 Fundraising

Rifle, Pouch, and Knife by Josh Wrightsman and Gary Tingler

by Heinz Ahlers and Josh Wrightsman with photography by Ric Lambert The pre-revolutionary frontier, west of the great wagon road was an exciting place, from the Allegheny River country down through western Virginia and the Carolinas. The Frontiersman were learning their trade and the skills that would take them across the continent. One of their primary tools was the American longrifle and one of the cradles of longrifle development was Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Josh Wrightsmant and Gary Tingler have created an early...

2017 Fundraising

I See It Too by Andrew Knez Jr.

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by Gordon Barlow This great Andrew Knez Jr. painting was scheduled to be auctioned last year. That did not happen. Your auction Chairman was a bit remiss in the logistics also Andrew unfortunately was involved in a serious automobile accident on his way too the auction. We deferred the auction of the painting off to this year. We are happy to say Andrew has recovered nicely and should be at the auction this year. We...

2017 Fundraising

Youth Rifle by Terry Methe

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Ric Lambert Young people on the frontier went about armed from an early age. In Thoughts on Kentucky Rifle in the Golden Age Joe Kindig Jr. shows a 30 inch barreled youths rifle he attributes to Wolfgang Haga. This is an early gun with a brass box and raised carving. Kindig also notes that he owned another boys rifle by Fredrick Zorger dated 1805 that was engraved and had a patchbox. Nathan Boone related...

2017 Fundraising

Shooting Bag and Powder Horn by Tom Greco and Sandy Greco

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Ric Lambert and Heinz Ahlers The successful colonial farmer, wealthy merchant or Virginia aristocrat, wanted his equipment to send a message about his social status. A fine rifle or fowling piece would be accompanied by fine shooting bag and horn. By the beginning of the French and Indian war rococo decoration and dark leather were very much in style. Tom and Sandy Greco, repeat auction supporters, have created this refined and historically appropriate hunting set...

2017 Fundraising

Waistcoat by Karen Hainlen

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by H. David Wright For General George Washington, the mundane duties of supply and logistics would come to be as important as strategy and tactics. Washington, who cut his teeth on the western frontier during the French and Indian War, was keenly aware that appropriate clothing was crucial to the fighting trim of his men. When the cash-strapped Continental Congress decided in 1775 to supply the army with linen hunting shirts, Washington was concerned that...

2017 Fundraising

Pennsylvania-Style Hunting Bag by Steve Lasley.

by Steve Lasley with photography by Ric Lambert & Heinz Ahlers The Pennsylvania-style hunting bag can be more complex than the styles encountered on the frontier in the Southern Highlands. Eastern Pennsylvania was more settled and specialized craftsman such as cordwainers, bookmakers and tanners were available. An active commerce in trade and cash existed east of Fort Cumberland in the mid 18th century. Although homemade bags were in common use, bags with linings and a bit more style are often...

2017 Fundraising

Boone Rifle by Ed Fish

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Ric Lambert Ed Fish is donating a copy of a very important rifle currently owned by Brian LaMaster. The rifle bears an inscription on the patchbox, N D Boone, Kaintuck done in a primitive style. Based on this inscription and extensive research Brian believes the original rifle may have been owned by Nathan Boone and that it was built by Daniel Boone and William Arbuckle around 1790. The rifle could have been used by...

2017 Fundraising

War Club by Gordon Barlow

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Gordon Barlow Among the tribes of the eastern woodlands, few symbols could be as potent as the ball headed war club. Missionary John Heckewelder, who spent a lifetime on the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Ohio, explained that When the Indians have determined to take revenge they would leave a carved war club at the site of an ambush. It was a stark tribal message that many Europeans failed to grasp, but which native warriors...

2017 Fundraising

Wood Sculptor by Bruce Meurer

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by H. David Wright For any craftsperson, the successful marriage of three-dimensional and two-dimensional disciplines is one of the most difficult hurdles of the creative arts. Buyers at this year's CLA fundraising auction will have the chance to own a unique sculpture by master carver Bruce Meurer that skillfully accomplishes the feat. Meurer executed the piece in basswood, a tight-grained medium favored by professional woodcarvers. Measuring 11" high, the bust depicts a typical warrior of the...

2017 Fundraising

Belt Knife by Mike Davis

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by H. David Wright Mike Davis has produced a fine Woodbury style belt knife for this years action. Mike is a repeat donor, having donated an iron mounted rifle last year that sold very well. This year Mike has turned out a 6 inch bladed knife in a classic frontier pattern. The whitetail antler handle with a poured pewter bolster shows Mike's association with House brothers school of knife making. If you only wanted to carry...

2017 Fundraising

Longhunter’s Knife and Sheath by Heinz Ahlers

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by H. David Wright I have always liked the longknife style. The design choices for a longknife vary from a heavy bladed, thick handled, fighting knife with a cross guard to a thin bladed utilitarian butcher knife style. I believe a longhunter preferred to carry tools that could meet multiple challenges. This longknife seeks to combine everyday utility with a potential for combat. The 9-1/2 inch blade from 1084 carbon steel tapers from just under 1/4...

2017 Fundraising

Wampum Belt by Matthew Bowles

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by H. David Wright In September of 1736, nineteen chiefs from the Six Nations the Iroquois Confederacy arrived at Philadelphia to strengthen the "covenant chain", or traditional alliance, with British officials in Pennsylvania. When Kanickhungo, the chieftan who spoke on behalf of the Seneca tribe, rose to speak, he expressed "Satisfaction in the friendly and good Disposition of you our Brethren, towards all the Indians of the Six Nations." As a record of...

2017 Fundraising

18th Century Folding Knife by Scott Summerville

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Gordon Barlow Scott Summerville makes great knives and razors. He is a staunch supporter of the CLF Auc-tion and has again given us a great folding knife. This is a classic bone handled knife with a 3-1/2 inch blade. Scott hand builds these knives, hand shapes them and heat treats them to per-fection. This knife is a common pattern found around various British posts and encampments from the 1750s through the 1800s. Scott models...

2017 Fundraising

Bowie by Keith Casteel

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by Gordon Barlow Few blades capture the indomitable spirit of the frontier quite like the Bowie knife. It's a fearsome edged weapon that's quintessentially American: rugged, hardy, and better off left alone. In fitting homage to the legendary Bowie as well as the independent spirit it represents attendees of this year's CLA fundraising auction will have the opportunity to own a stunning example of a contemporary Bowie crafted by one of America's top...

2017 Fundraising

The Thomas Lincoln Only Blows Decided Horn by by Tim Crosby & TC Albert

by Tim Albert with photography by H. David Wright As war between Britain and the American colonies loomed, in a letter to his Prime Minister Lord North, King George wrote: The New England governments are in a state of rebe-llion, blows must decide whether they are to be subject to this country or independent... The war is inevitable and let it come! More prophetic words were never spoken, for blows would indeed decide. They would go on to decide again soon...

2017 Fundraising

The John Fraser Project by Gary Tucker, Eddie Rector, Ron Vail, Ken Scott, Heather McClure, and J. Casey McClure

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Ric Lambert For the upcoming Contemporary Longrifle Foundation Fund Raising Auction to be held at the Annual Meeting in August, CLA members Gary Tucker, Eddie Rector, Ron Vail, Ken Scott , Heather and J Casey McClure have recreated a collection of artifacts based on early frontiersman and trader John Frasers life during the time of the French and Indian War. The John Fraser Project tells a story about an important figure on the early frontier....

2017 Fundraising

Longknife and Sheath by Heinz Ahlers & Joe Seabolt

by Heinz Ahlers Joe Seabolt is generous in his support of the CLA. Not only does he always come up with a donation, he is always willing to help out other folks with the team donations. Joe has 3 items in the auction this year. You may have to hunt for the one patch knife. Heinz Ahlers is the CL Foundation Auction chairman and the oldest apprentice in the Cedar Ridge Apprentice Program. We have included a photo of Joe instructing...

2016 Fundraising

Hunting Bag and Accoutrements by Jack Weeks

Hunting Bag and Accoutrements by Jack Weeks by Heinz Ahlers & Jack Weeks Jack Weeks is a repeat donor to the CL Foundation Auction. Jack is an accomplished maker and a careful researcher. His leather powder funnel with a goose quill spout is a neat and useful addition to the pouch. Here is a description of the Shot Pouch in Jack's own words. "When I start a leather project, after some research, I like to imagine I am creating an item that will...

2016 Fundraising

Youth’s Hunting Pouch and Horn by Ken Scott & Ron Vail

by Joshua Shepherd While a healthy respect for the past is second nature for most blackpowder enthusiasts, passing on that heritage to the next generation is equally important. In a remarkably well executed collaborative effort, CLA artists Ron Vail and Ken Scott have teamed up to produce a distinctive horn and pouch set that captures the poignant significance of inherited tradition. Scott explains how the unique project came about. Last year he was approached by Ron Vail about crafting a matched...

2016 Fundraising

Longknife with Quilled Sheath by Djuana Tucker & Kyle Willyard

by Joshua Shepherd For the average shooter, the annual CLA show in Lexington, Kentucky is always a great place to outfit one's blackpowder rig with a few needed items. A spartan setup of horn and bag will suffice; muzzleloading enthusiasts are, after all, an eminently practical set of folks. But what makes the CLA show singularly unique is its broad selection of museum quality reproductions, a truly remarkable display of fine craftsmanship that constitutes a breathtaking exhibit of the applied...

2016 Fundraising

Folding Knife by Scott Summerville

by Heinz Ahlers The CLF is again privileged to present a Scott Summerville folding knife. In prior years Scott made similar stunning folders for us which commanded a lot of attention Once again, Scott is one of our repeat donors and continues to support the CLF. The folding knife is an authentic accoutrement for the 18th and early 19th centuries. Scott's creation is a beautiful piece in warm brown and gunmetal grey tones. A quality example of a folding knife with...

2016 Fundraising

Cased Pistol by Tom Greco

by Heinz Ahlers and Tom Greco There is always something appealing about a cased pistol set. This one is especially so because Tom Greco has added a touch of the all-American Woodbury School to the a fine American pistol. The flintlock pistol features a .50 caliber cannon barrel and brass guard and thimbles, a sterling silver thumbpiece and a coin silver washers for the lock screws. The barrel and guard are gracefully adorned with engraving by Hershel House and tastefully...

2016 Fundraising

American Hanger by Ian Pratt, Maryellen Pratt, & Joe Seabolt

by Heinz Ahlers This American hanger by Joe Seablolt and Ian Pratt accompanied by a Strap and Baldric by Maryellen Pratt is a hard to find Frontier item. This style of short sword or cuttoe was a fighting weapon, useful to mounted troops and a mark of prestige for officers. Extremely useful in hand to hand combat, their relatively short length is useful in close quarters. The reason they are seldom seen today is not their usefulness, it is the difficulty...

2016 Fundraising

Scout Bag by Bill Smith

by Joshua Shepherd Blackpowder shooters can get by for some time with an average shooting bag, but eventually they'll want to upgrade to the best. In the world of the longrifle culture, Kentucky's own William Smith has established a reputation for fine craftsmanship that has set a benchmark in the field. At this year's fundraising auction, CLA members will have the chance to bid on a distinctive Smith bag that's sure to round out any hunting rig in fine style. Smith's...

2016 Fundraising

Private Cleavland Horn by Lee Cooper

by Heinz Ahlers Scrimshawed powder horns served as useful maps and as journals for the early frontiersman. Dated map horns assist us in picturing a person, place, and time in history. Lee Cooper created this Private Cleavland commemorative horn. This is a fine map horn that is inspired by Private William Cleavland who was killed at Fort Laurens in a British led attack by a large Indian force during the Revolutionary War. Fort Laurens was built in late 1778, and attacked in...

2016 Fundraising

Leather Covered Trunk by Michael Buss

by Heinz Ahlers Mike Buss is one of the CLA Canadian members. The CL Foundation is enthusiastic about his leather covered trunk donation for the 2016 Auction. Mike has been making various styles of 18 and 19th century trunks and boxes for perhaps 25 years and has sold many at the CLA annual show in Lexington over the years. He hand forges the handles and block prints the interior paper lining in addition to building the box and covering it with...

2016 Fundraising

Late Kentucky Longrifle Rig by Mike Davis & Gary Tingler

by Heinz Ahlers The Trans-Applachian longrifle has often been neglected as an American art form. Although the the frontier folk moving west after the Revolutionary War were a practical and plain folk who esteemed performance over prettiness they did not object to tools that combined both. The rifles of Thomas Simpson, Jacob Young and John Small made in the Ohio and Mississippi watersheds are as fine and elegant as any American rifles. The western frontier also exhibited a preference for...

2016 Fundraising

Pipe Tomahawk by Paul Bigham

by Heinz Ahlers Few trade items were as important in the shrewd game of frontier diplomacy than the pipe tomahawk, and no European power was as successful in forging tribal alliances than France. Pipe hawks were gifted to favored chieftans and came to be a potent status symbol among tribal leaders. From trade negotiations to war councils, the pipe tomahawk was a vital tool for striking backcountry agreements. This year's CLF fundraising auction will feature a fine example of an early...

2016 Fundraising

Windsor Chair by Neal Genrich

by Joshua Shepherd Few pieces of furniture epitomize early America quite like the Windsor chair, and for good reason. Developed in the British Isles and then popularized in the New World by Philadelphia craftsmen, the Windsor came to dominate the chair maker's art throughout the colonies. By the time the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the delegates were seated on Windsors; according to tradition, Thomas Jefferson penned the document while seated on a Windsor. George...

2016 Fundraising

Shot Bag by Darrel Lang

by Joshua Shepherd Eighteenth century artisans, while experts in their respective trades, were nonetheless known to regularly broaden the scope of their business operations. It's a practice that's quite familiar to their 21st century counterparts. One fine addition to the 2016 CLA fundraising auction bears mute testament to the age-old custom of artistic diversification: a straightforward shot bag by Michigan craftsman Darrel Lang. "When I make a shot bag," explains Lang, "I try and produce something that a harness maker or...

2016 Fundraising

Tansel Style Blowing Horn by Tim Albert and Tim Crosby

by Heinz Ahlers Tim Albert and Tim Crosby have teamed up to produce this outstanding blowing horn for the 2016 Contemporary Longrifle Foundation Auction. Albert & Crosby are perrenial favorites and the auction would not be the same without them. Their auction offerings are always interesting and vary from a meticulous copy of a Daniel Boone horn and bag, through the Five Ears bag, and last years Desperate Times bag. This years offering is a unique and often neglected peiceof...

2016 Fundraising

Shooters Box by David Johnson

by Heinz Ahlers and David Johnson The shooter's supply box is made of solid western white pine. It measures 18" wide by 9" deep and 11" tall. It features a divided lower section and a removable divided tray. Built with full dovetail corner construction and a coopered curved lid this shows the cabinet maker's skill while also making a great range box. It has a hand forged carrying handle and period butterfly hinges. David carved two swirl rosettes and cross...

2016 Fundraising

American Bison Powder Horn by Jack Pennington

by Jack Pennington When one thinks about the frontier, one of the animals that come to mind is the American Bison. From the hills and blue grass land of Kentucky to the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, this animal provided meat, fur, hide, bone and horn for food, clothing, shelter and tools to both native and European people alike. In keeping with this spirit, Jack Pennington has created and is donating a buffalo horn that could be found from the...

2016 Fundraising

Kentucky Buttstock Sculpture by Jim Parker

by Joshua Shepherd The frontier longrifle is unquestionably one of the most uniquely American art forms developed in the last two centuries. To showcase the graceful lines and exquisite workmanship inherent to the discipline, Jim Parker of Calvary Longrifles has crafted a truly unique sculpture that should undoubtedly prove popular with collectors at the 2016 CLA fundraising auction. Although the timeless phrase "lock, stock, and barrel" sums up the most necessary components of the longrifle, Parker has focused his efforts on...

2016 Fundraising

Bear Pistol by Daniel Casey, Frank House, Hershel House, & John House

by Eric Van Alstine Every now and then a glimpse from the past foretells the brilliance of the future. When one sees such talent, grace and skill over the tools and hands that created a masterpiece, its inspiring for others to follow. This year a young talent rising to a new level in the contemporary arts of the long rifle culture is none other than Daniel Casey of Arkansas. Having been a student of Hershel House and the Woodbury school, Daniel...

2016 Fundraising

Basket Weaver Original Bronze Sculpture, Heinz Ahlers

by Heinz Ahlers I made this native American themed piece featuring a Native American woman working on an open weave basket using the ancient direct lost wax process. The figure was sculpted from wax and directly invested in the molding plaster. This process produces a one off, the wax being melted out, or lost, and the mold broken in opening. This is a solid piece of pure bronze with good heft. The basket is fashioned from copper wire. Basket Weaver...

2016 Fundraising

Virginia Wall Cabinet by Gordon Barlow

By Josh Crain Gordon Barlow has crafted this beautiful wall cabinet, inspired by the work of Johannes Spitler of Shenendoah Co, VA. Though Gordon humbly claims that he is "no Johannes Spitler," upon comparing his work here to those wall cabinets by Spitler of similar style, I would beg to differ. Gordon definitely knows his stuff. Beautifully decorated with tasteful architecture, this wall cabinet is built of Virginia white pine lumber, and painted to taste with lots of hand rubbing. The...

2016 Fundraising

Turnscrew Set by Eric von Aschwege

by Heinz Ahlers Eric von Aschwege is one of the CLA's best young gunsmiths. Eric is in his early 30s but he has been building since he was 18. Best known for his gun building, Eric began a new step in his career this year, joining the staff of the Colonial Williamsburg Gunsmith Shop as an Apprentice gunsmith. Eric had earlier volunteered to donate a rifle to the Foundation 2016 Auction, but was delayed in the transition from working in...

2016 Fundraising

Hand-Painted Small Hope Chest by Sandy Greco

by Heinz Ahlers This neatly made and finely decorated hope chest is donated by Sandy Greco. Sandy, studied ceramics and fine art in Palermo Italy. Sandy is noted for her remarkable Fraktur Art. Sandy's art career was inspired by her father who worked in wood and restored painted antique furniture in Sicily. She began working in the Fraktur style when she encountered Fraktur at her first CLA show. The patterns and colors struck a chord with her, reminding her of her...

2016 Fundraising

Patch Knife with Quilled Sheath by Glen Mock & Bill Wright

by Joshua Shepherd Of all the creative disciplines associated with the longrifle culture, few pieces can be as conspicuously captivating as a quilled sheath neck knife. Two masters of the applied arts, Glen Mock and Bill Wright, have paired up to produce a quintessential example for the 2016 CLA fundraising auction. One of the most renowned bladesmiths working today, Mock is well versed in traditional techniques that impart an authentic look and feel to his work. Starting with a nondescript blank...

2016 Fundraising

Powder Horn by Jerry Eitnier

by Joshua Shepherd Of all the tools of the trade in the longrifle culture, the humble powder horn is just one of those implements that, apart from being absolutely necessary in any blackpowder rig, possess a nearly indefinable aesthetic allure. For collectors and woodsmen alike, horns are eminently utilitarian, but nonetheless are works of art in their own right. Fortunately for attendees of the 2016 CLA fundraising auction, artist Jerry Eitnier has donated a quintessential example of the horners craft. Eitnier...

2016 Fundraising

Dickert Fleur de Lis Rifle by Nate Koval

by Heinz Ahlers Nate Koval of West Virginia has produced this early style brass mounted rifle inspired by the Jacob Dickert rifle. George Shumway featured the original in Rifles of Colonial America vol. 1 as rifle 48. The original is signed J Dickert on the barrel and displays his typical double C scroll carving behind the cheek piece. The rifle has definite pre-revoluntionary rifle style with classic simple raised carving, beautifully executed by Dickert and by Koval. The Fluer de Lis...

2016 Fundraising

Of One Heart Hunting Set by The Missouri Boys

by Eric Van Alstine With the 20th anniversary of the Contemporary Long Rifle Association, there is a vast amount of interest celebrating the contemporary arts of the Long Rifle culture. Artist, collectors, and students of history from across the nation will converge to enjoy a walk through the past while enjoying the work of today's masters while gaining a glimpse of those future artisans for the next generation to follow and learn. During a phone conversation this past November, 2015 Glen...

2016 Fundraising

I See It Too – an original oil painting by Andrew Knez Jr.

by Joshua Shepherd Attendees of the CLA's live auctions are regularly treated to a stunning array of arms and accoutrements from some of the longrifle culture's best artisans, but the bidders at the 2016 event will be afforded a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: the chance to own an original painting by noted frontier artist Andrew Knez. The oil-on-canvas masterwork, titled I See It Too, depicts a mounted frontiersman gripping a lon-grifle balanced across the pommel of his saddle; more than that, it's...

2016 Fundraising

Tansel Horn by Scott Morrison, Steve Skillman, Glenn Sutt, & Steve Vance

by Heinz Ahlers The 2015 CLF Fundraising Auction is proud to present this beautiful Tansel styled horn. This horn was created by Steve Vance, Glenn Sutt, Scott Morrison, and Steve Skillman, all from the Northwest Horn Makers group. The horn has many of the features of Tansel family horns from the Indiana period. The Tansel family made horns from about 1795 through 1850. They are known to have worked in Scott County, Kentucky and Hendricks County, Indiana. At least one Francis Tansel...

2015 Fundraising