Lock by Jack Brooks

 

This English style lock (circa 1790) was made recently by Jack Brooks.  Except for the cast cock, frizzen, and lock plate; all parts were handmade from scratch.  The lock plate has a semi-rain proof pan and is equipped with a sliding safety.  The frizzen spring has a roller and the tumbler has a stirrup linkage to the mainspring.  The tumbler and sear have anti- friction bearing surfaces.  The fly is hung in a slot in the center of the tumbler.  The triangular spring, between the leaves of the sear spring, bears on the sliding bolt of the safety and holds it in either locked or unlocked position.  All metal surfaces were hand filed and polished in the “London” tradition.  The lock plate, cock, and frizzen are engraved with a running leaf border as well as floral decorative designs in the English style.

 

Copy and photos supplied by Jack Brooks.

Gorget by Dave Hughes

Photos supplied by Mitch Cook.

Contemporary Makers Portraits: Curt Hoagland

 

Curt Hoagland was born in Fountain County, Indiana and still lives there today.  He has been stocking guns for around 35 years. In the 1980’s, he went to a KRA show in Ohio where he was allowed to handle many original guns. This experience was a major influence in his building.  Curt is mostly self-taught, but was fortunate to have a close neighbor, Robert “Pete” Clements, instruct him in carving. He also attended John Schippers engraving school at Conner Prairie where his skills were greatly enhanced.  Curt and his friend Jerry Eitnier both live in Hillsboro, Indiana. They have assisted each other with “problem solving” in their gun building. "It is nice to have that extra hand when needed." Curt is a member of the NMLRA and CLA.

Details of the rifle Curt is holding can be seen here.

Copy by Curt Hoagland.  Photographed at the 2012 Tennessee Kentucky Rifle Show by Jan Riser.

Deathhead Buttons by Steven Radosevich

 

The Deaths Head button is a common type of Leek button. Leek buttons are named for Leek, England, where as early as the 1600's it became a center of the button industry. It is a mystery why they were called Deaths Head. This type of button is found on numerous garments dating from the early 1700's and on through the 19th century. A bone, horn, or, wooded button form was wrapped with thread. Silk Buttonhole thread works best, but linen and mohair was also used. 

The below instruction show how to make a deadhead button, but not the designs that Steven has done.

Begin by wrapping an "X" around the button mold with four wraps forming each cross. Hold the tail of the thread in back of the mold and use this to anchor the thread when you turn 90 degrees. Make sure your "X" has divided the mold evenly or your wrap will not be centered.

Use the "X" thread to hold your next wrap. Bring the thread around the front in the sequence shown. Careful, this requires some dexterity.

Repeat this sequence, working your way toward the center of the mold. Each wrap holds the previous one in place. At some point in the procedure the thread will want to slip off the mold. You will have to cut off enough thread to finish the button (2 to 3 ft.) and use a needle to trap each wrap under the threads in back.

When the mold is completely covered, bring the needle up through the center and anchor the last wraps with a stitch or two.

Copy from Wooded Hamlet Designs. Photo supplied by Steven Radosevich.

Powder Horn by Mark Thomas

Photographed at the CLA Show by Jan Riser.

Jack Haugh for Mike Parish

Photographed at the 2012 Lake Cumberland Show by Jan Riser.

Quilled Braintan Shoulder Bag by Bill Wright

This quilled braintan shoulder bag has the look of an early 1800's longhunter or trekkers day bag. Constructed of heavy braintan smoked and walnut dyed leather, the 7" long by 6 3/4" wide round body is welted and has an aged and worn look. The heavily quilled flap has a period correct pattern and will "polish" any reenactors outfit. The strap is 48" long and has quilled accents.

Copy and photos supplied by Bill Wright.