Contemporary Makers: July 2019

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

2019 CLA Live Auction: 1760’s Hunting Rig by Jack Weeks, Rick Lorenzen and John Leach

Jack Weeks and Rick Lorenzen have partnered once again and the result is a bold bag and horn set. They are both artists and craftsmen who continuously research early American history and the evolution of hunting accoutrements. This is the fourth year the guys have been collaborating using 18th century materials and techniques. They want this handsome rig to be loved and used by a contemporary hunter who will pass it down as a family heirloom.

Jack has selected a roomy, square bag that provides plenty of space for all your hunting and shooting equipment for a day in the field. Drawing on his 25 years of hand-making period-correct bags and accoutrements, he’s selected a vegetable-tanned cowhide piece, with a hair-on, white tailed deer flap. This bag is entirely hand-dyed and hand-stitched with linen thread. The hide strap reflects the attention to detail a harness maker would have employed in the mid-1700’s. Even the brass hardware has been aged. All the leather has been hand-finished with homemade Michigan bear oil and buffed with beeswax. And just to be sure you’ve got it all, Jack added his handmade leather musket ball case and a funnel made from leather and a goose quill to fill Rick’s horn. A pan brush and hand-braided cordage provided by Brandenburg Storehouse top off this fine hunting rig.

Rick’s 1760’s-era polychrome scrimshaw horn depicts all the important French and Indian War forts and towns along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. Schenectady, Albany and New York cities are there along with a sailing vessel, churches, flags and a windmill. The red roof details are stunning. A blue-crowned three-inch-tall lion and unicorn grace either side of the Royal coat of arms of Great Britain on the inside curve. This is a beautiful left hand carry that snugs right up to your side. Rick has developed his art over 34 years as an accomplished horner and it shows in this one-of-a-kind piece of art. And just as an added touch, Rick included a handmade horn 80 grain powder measure and a wire vent pick.

John Leach has added a very well made patch knife of 1095 steel hafted with a box elder handle and paired with a vegetable tanned, center-seam leather sheath.