Monday, July 4, 2022
Friday, July 1, 2022
Scott Sibley Bag
$200. plus $20. shipping in the continental USA.
Contact artriser@mindspring.com for more information
CLF 2022 Auction: Bag and Powder Horn by Bill Pritchard and Knife by Casey McClure
The skilled craftsmen of the CLA often produce fine frontier art that can easily be mistaken for a centuries-old original. For this year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction, artists Casey McClure and Bill Pritchard have teamed up to produce a rugged hunting rig that looks like it’s seen heavy use on the 18th century frontier.
This set is built around Pritchard’s D-shaped hunting bag, which is crafted from bark-tanned deerskin. This workingman’s bag, measuring 7 by 8 inches, is entirely hand-sewn with linen thread. The strap features an adjustable iron buckle, and the back of the bag sports an integral sheath for McClure’s hand-forged knife. The bag is also accompanied with a Pritchard powder horn; measuring one foot in length, this horn is simple, straightforward, and ready for the field.
The set is accompanied by a knife crafted by bladesmith Casey McClure. McClure’s knife, measuring 8 ¾ inches long, is an iconic frontier blade. Hand forged from 1084 steel, the knife is fitted to a whitetail antler crown handle and sports a poured pewter bolster.
This set is a fine example of the collaborative art often produced by CLA members. McClure, a self-taught but experienced blacksmith, became acquainted with Pritchard when the two craftsmen displayed their wares adjacent to each other at the annual show. The pair have enjoyed a friendship and occasional creative partnership since then. “I've made several knives for the bags that he has done,” says McClure, “Bill is known as a top rate gun builder, but he also makes a fine bag and horn!”
For more information on the work of the artists, contact:
Casey McClure: jcmcclure@aol.com or 606-308-4570
Bill Pritchard: 606-407-2713
Text by Joshua Shepherd
Photography by David Wright
To see all the artists’ postings for the 2022 CLF Fundraising Auction go to:
http://www.contemporarylongriflefoundation.org/2022-fundraising-auction/
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Linen shot pouch by Shaun Pekar
Linen shot pouch by Shaun Pekar is a close copy of an original circa 1775.
Antique Shot Horn
Unusual little horn with a repurposed brass cap. It has a some shot still inside. 8 inches on the outside curve.
$80. plus $20. shipping in the continental USA.
Contact artriser@mindspring.com for more information
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Beaded Buffalo Horn Spoon and Stand
Beaded spoon and stand.
$100. plus $20. shipping in the continental USA.
Contact artriser@mindspring.com for more information
CLF 2022 Auction: Fringed Hunting Bag by Shelly Gier and Hand-Woven Strap by Kerry Masarik
For your next trip to the range or the woods, artists Shelly Gier and Kerry Masarik have teamed up to create a well-made and historically appropriate hunting bag that’s been donated to this year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction.
Gier describes her hunting bag as inspired by early 19th century styling “with a bit of working-class western influence.” The body of the bag is made from vegetable tanned cowhide which is lined with goat leather. The bag features an exterior gusseted pocket as well as an additional pocket on the interior. For water resistance, the bag has been treated with black bear oil. It’s consequently a utilitarian bag, but features tasteful and complementary design elements contributed by both artists.
Gier explains that the bag’s color scheme was intended to coordinate with Masarik’s strap. “The pouch is deliberately related to the strap,” explains Gier, “I used the ‘goose eye’ diamond design of the strap in the shape of the pouch and flap.” Much of the design of this piece, says the artist, was designed to showcase Masarik’s work. “I wanted the design of the strap to stand out,” explains Gier.
Masarik’s hand-woven strap is, indeed, immediately noticeable and integral to the success of this piece. The strap was made from a contrasting blend of hemp and wool; the wool, in fact, was sourced from a Romney sheep fleece and hand processed and hand spun by Masarik. In weaving the strap, Masarik utilized an intricate and historically accurate “goose eye” diamond motif. The artist puts a good bit of effort into the historic study of her craft, examining original examples, weave structure, and yarns. The “goose eye” pattern, she explains, “was a pretty popular weave amongst tweed weavers.”
This stellar hunting bag is accompanied with a curious bonus: a single buckeye. Gier, appropriately enough a native Ohioan, explains the history behind the tradition. “Many original pouches,” she says, “are shown with their original contents, and buckeyes frequently show up. Whether it is for luck or a home remedy for arthritis, buckeyes and bags go together.”
For more information on the work of the artists, contact:
Shelly Gier: shellycamps1790@gmail.com
Kerry Masarik: hornandfiber@gmail.com
Text by Joshua Shepherd
Photography by David Wright
To see all the artists’ postings for the 2022 CLF Fundraising Auction go to:
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Quilled Prisoner Tie
Quilled prisoner tie.
$140. plus $20. shipping in the continental USA.
Contact artriser@mindspring.com for more information