Friday, December 30, 2011

Hunting Pouch by Maryellen Pratt with Tim Crosby Horn

This authentically styled set would make a perfect companion to a later Southern rifle. The pouch is 7 3/4" high by 7" wide, made of bark tanned deer hide and hand stitched with linen thread. The straps are made of cowhide and a rectangular iron buckle provides adjustment. A banded horn by Tim Crosby with chestnut colored band and applied horn tip hangs from the pouch's straps. The knife is an antique bone and pewter handled table knife "converted" for use as a patch knife - this is an authentic detail occasionally seen on original pouches. The knife is fitted with a rawhide lined sheath attached to the strap. A simple vent pick and a powder measure made from a green horn tip complete the set.

Copy and photos supplied by Maryellen Pratt.

James Gillray: Playing in Parts

Hand-colored etching and aquatint, image 37 x 26 cm., published 15 May 1801
by Hannah Humphrey, 27 St James's Street, London. Engraved by Brownlow North

Gillray lived with Hannah Humphrey (sometimes titled "Mrs.") for the entire period of his fame. It is believed that he several times thought of marrying her; on one occasion the pair were on their way ti the church, when Gillray said: "This is a foolish affair, methink, Miss Humphrey. We live very comfortable together; we had better let well alone." He died insane in 1815.

This design is based on an earlier Gillray image, "Ars Musica", published 16 February 1800, showing a trio, now much altered and elaborated to include the slightly unlikely ensemble of two flutes, violin, cello and fortepino. The howling dog, who seems to habe commandeered all the separate parts, may give the idea of the performance of these amateur musicians. In the later Bohn restrike this image was included in the so-called "Suppressed Plates", presumabley on account of the officer's sword raising the skirts of the traditionally-built lady on the far right.

James Gillray (13 August 1756 or 1757 – 1 June 1815), was a British caricaturist and printmaker famous for his etched political and social satires, mainly published between 1792 and 1810.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Marc Tornichio Rifle After Phillip Cameron

The latest rifle is 32 cal. and is inspired by the Phillip Cameron rifle that shown in Jerry Noble's book. I did not make an exact copy, I include a few details that directly relate to southwest virginia style rifles. I forged all the iron mounts and made all the small parts.
















Copy and photos supplied by Marc Tornichio.

18th Century Flintlock Tinder Lighter

I have something new in my collection it's a still working early 18th century Flintlock Tinder Lighter. Just the screw from the trigger needs a little repair but it`s already done by myself. It's very easy to light a candle with a tinder lighter like these. All what you need to do is to fill the big pan with good charcloth; cock the hammer; shut the frizzen and pull the trigger like a flintlock gun. Than you need a small wooden stick that was first dipped in meltet sulfur; stick this one in the already glowing charcloth; blow to hold the glow and you will see that the sulfur stick begin to burn like a match and now you can light your candle. It`s a great experience to light the fire the same way like people do it in the 18th century.





Copy and photos supplied by Manfred Schmitz.
Greetings from Germany

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

John Proud Tansel Horn for Ron Scott







Photos supplied by John Proud.

Burl Noggin by Christian Hays

This Noggin features a carved Human Face, and Rum Barrel attached with a Toggle String made from Basswood Bark.

Copy and photo supplied by James Blake.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Jacob Hoak Rifle circa 1790 by Mike Karkalla



Photos supplied by Mike Karkalla.

Stone Carved by David Gillespie

This was a stone I carved for the City of Greenville, SC's children's garden located near the Peace Ceter at the intersection of Broad St, and River St, under the Hwy 123 Bridge. The Childrens garden included a "Secret Garden" walled up with bricks. The stone, like the story, has a secret. The Stone has 7 keys hidden on the stone. See if you can find all of them. If not go and see it for yourself!

Copy and photos supplied by David Gillespie.