What’s In (Or On) The Bag?

The number of artists and craftspeople devoting their time to reproducing period correct items for use with the Kentucky rifle is staggering. All you need do is take a look at all the names listed on the CLA website or the artists featured in MUZZLELOADER or MUZZLEBLASTS to see an ever increasing group. These talented people make it possible to completely fill the shot pouch with tools for the maintanence of the accompanying firearm as well as items for everyday use in the wilderness.

The effort devoted to these items is amazing. The pieces are well researched and crafted in a manner that matches or exceeds the quality of the originals. Often times the newly made items are more sought after than their original counterparts.

The items accompanying this article are just a small sample of the pieces which are available today. Many of them are one of a kind pieces others lind themselves to duplication. Whichever the case they are all worthy companions for a finely crafted firearm. Whether you actually use them or simply display them in your collection they are an integral part of our early heritage in America.

(starting upperleft corner) A flint and steel box by Charles Miller, priming horn by Mark Odle, a small bag used to carry extra flints by Joe Mills, a short starter also by Mills, a turkey call by Charles Norvell, a snake striker by Charles Miller and an iron pipe by Jack Haugh. The lid on the pipe is hinged. The pipe stem is bone.

(starting upperleft corner) A shot bag made of bark tanned leather by Joe Mills, a ball container by David Parrish, a priming flask by Gary Birch. The flask is made from tin with abone spout. A folding knife by Kyle Willyard. The all metal knife is a near copy of an original. A snake striker ember tong combination by Charles Miller and a turn screw by Bruce Horne.

A tin powder measure on a hand made chain, an intricately carved bone measure, miniature striker (that works very well) and a small pan brush all made by Gary Birch. A.R.

This article appeared earlier in a CLA publication. We received more comments about this article than any that we have done. We will be doing some additional post on this topic. J.R.

Photos by Jan Riser.