Contemporary Makers

2013 CLA Live Auction: Daniel Boone's Longhunter's Pouch and Horn Set by Tim Crosby and Tim Albert.

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:03:00 +0000

Tim Crosby and TC Albert teamed up to make this copy of a Daniel Boone horn and pouch set.

The set is based on images of a pouch and horn known to have once been owned by Daniel Boone, and traded to a neighbor along the Big Sandy River in the late 1790s.

In the book, “My Father Daniel Boone”, his son, Nathan Boone relates some of the events taking place during this time period, when for several years the Boone’s and their friends were engaged in hunting bear and selling the smoked meat, hides, and rendered oil. Nathan recalls taking 156 bears in 1797 along the Sandy River.

Like the original, this simple homespun pouch and horn set looks as if Daniel could have made and used in one of these back woods bear camps. Besides Boone’s initials “D.B.”, the horn is carved with primitive drawings of Boone’s rifle “Tick-Licker”, and his tomahawk, trap and cabin. There is also a carved deer, a beaver, a pinwheel, a web, and a menacing “sarpent” rattle snake. The horn is accompanied by a turned antler measure just like the one seen with the original set.

The typical cheap butcher knife is as simple as the rest of the outfit, and is made with the commonly carried “thin steel blade” described by Nathan in the Draper interviews.

Boone and his family left Kentucky just two short years after Nathan’s big bear hunt, and moved to Missouri where the events of the looming War of 1812 would soon find them. Daniel would serve at home protecting the family and raising the alarm during Indian raids, while Nathan would raise and lead a company of mounted rangers.

For more information about the original Boone pouch set that this auction piece was patterned on, please follow this link: here.

Contact information:

Tim Crosby

1271 Snoke Hill Road

Lancaster,Ohio 43130

T.C. Albert

807 N. 2803 Road

Utica,Illinois 61373

Copy and photos supplied by the Contemporary Longrifle Foundation.

Flint Wallet by Ken Scott

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Photos by Jan Riser.

Tecumseh/Proctor Pipe Ax by Glen McClain

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:03:00 +0000

Glen McClain Display at the 2012 CLA Show

below is one of these axes

Ceremonial pipe tomahawk (ca. 1790-1810) a gift from Colonel Henry Proctor. The eye is teardrop, the pipe bowl is tall and almost nozzle shaped. The overall height of the head has increased with both a taller bowl and a longer blade. The obverse side of the blade is engraved in script letters:

To Chief Tecumseh

From Col. Proctor

MDCCCXII

Henry Proctor was commander of the British forces with whom Tecumseh’s Shawnees served during the War of 1812.

Wood, iron, lead

26” x 8.9”

This ax was probably presented to the Shawnee war chief at Fort Malden, in amherstburg, Ont. Late in the autumn of 1812. During that summer, when the War of 1812 officially started, Tecumseh led Native warriors against the Americans on the Detroit frontier. In mid-august he joined with British forces, led by General Isaac Brock, to capture Detroit from General William Hull and an American army.

-R. David Edmunds (Cherokee), Anne and Chester Watson Chair in History, University of Texas Dallas School of Arts and Humanities

This essay is excerpted from Infinity of Nations: Art and History in the collection of the National Museum of the American Indians, edited by Cecil R. Ganteaume and published by Harper Collins in Association with the National Museum of the American Indian.

American Indian, Spring 2012

(the above expert is from this magazine with Glen's display)

Photographed at the 2012 CLA Show by Jan Riser.

Hunting Pouch by Eric Ewing

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Photos supplied by Eric Ewing.

Rifle by Mark Thomas

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:03:00 +0000

Here is a rifle that I finished a few weeks ago. An early style big bore with a scraped and burnished finish over an acid stain. The gentleman wanted a light aging to the overall look.

Copy and photos supplied by Mark Thomas.

Knife by Rich McDonald with Sheath by Jeanne McDonald

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Here are some pictures of a knife and sheath we recently made for a customer in South Africa. The knife is based around the one pictured on page 62 of Madison Grant's book "The Knife in Homespun America". It's called a Butcher Knife but it must have been for some pretty large animals as it's a very hefty knife. It would also make a great fighting/camp knife. I made the blade 12" long and my version was 17" overall. I used curly maple for the handle scales. The handle escutcheons are brass with steel pins and the bolster is iron. Jeanne made a rawhide covered leather sheath with a shoulder strap and buckle.

Copy and photos supplied by Rich McDonald.

Contemporary Makers Portraits: Kyle Willyard

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:03:00 +0000

Kyle and Laura

Kyle Willyard at Old Dominion Forge has been making fine, hand-forged knives, swords and axes for over 10 years now. His focus is entirely on the 18th century; that is the only time-period he does. In addition to period cutlery, Kyle also casts most of the fine pewter items you will find on this site. They also stock other items, which you should find useful, but rest assured, cutlery will always be the focal point.

Kyle strives to make some of the most accurate, blades that you will find anywhere. His cutlery is based on original examples, and considerable research goes into each piece before it is built. Kyle's work has a "period" feel that is the product of the traditional methods used during construction. He starts with only the best materials, and hand selects all wood, antler and bone used on his work. Blades are forged, draw-filed, and polished by hand. Then, traditional, hand-rubbed finishes are applied to the handles. He believes the extra touches are worth it. Old Dominion Forge may be a bit more expensive than some, but you will find the fit, finish and workmanship to be second to none.

Over the years they have outfitted countless re-enactors and living historians. In fact, much of their business is from repeat customers, who have been so well satisfied with their work that they often own several "ODF" knives. Kyle's blades are carried by some of the most respected individuals in living history, and his customers include the National Park Service; Virginia State Parks, Wilderness Road; various museums and museum shops, and even Walt Disney Pictures.

In August 2002, Old Dominion Forge had the privilege to take on some work for the Jerry Bruckheimer/Walt Disney production, Pirates of the Caribbean. They made several axes and hatches that were used in the movie, as well as providing a few swords and knives.

Kyle worked on several key props for the HBO miniseries, John Adams, including a reproduction of Gen. Washington's battle sword.

one of the antique molds that Kyle uses for his pewter spoons

More images of this spoon can be seen here.

More images of these spoons can be seen here.

Copy and photo of Laura and Kyle from Old Dominion Forge. Photo of Kyle from 2006 Manskers Station Trade Fair by Jan Riser. Photos of pewter spoons photographed at the 2013 Lake Cumberland Show by Jan Riser.

Haversack by Maryellen Pratt

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:02:00 +0000

Photographed at the 2012 CLA Show by Jan Riser.

Antique Powder Measure

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Photographed at the 2013 Tennessee Kentucky Rifle Show by Jan Riser.

David Crockett by Jud Brennan for Robert Weil

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:03:00 +0000

Jud Brennan's imagination, resulting in uniquely inspired creations, has influenced the Contemporary Longrifle Culture for over 3 decades. Still going strong, it is obvious that Jud is not lacking inspiration and he has gifted us with yet another artistic treat. This petite rifle, built around an antique "Golcher" flintlock, is somewhat a tribute to not only a famous person, but to an interesting time in the development of our young nation.

I wish I could be a little bird and hear all the conversation that will arise when photo's of this rifle hits the internet ! Wish I could hear all the various speculations of "what it is" ???

At first glance, it's finely sculpted stock with bold comb and tall butt , reminded me of the work of Jacob Young. Perhaps because the first antique rifle I ever owned was made by Young for Wm. Waid Woodfork. About a decade ago Jud was heavily influenced by a rifle signed "T. Simpson ~ fecit" and inscribed on its box "G. Mansker". When this rifle surfaced it stood the Kentucky rifle world on its head and more than a few contemporary rifles borrowed elements of design from it.

Rolling this rifle over, looking at its patchbox with captured lid, I could feel this influence, however many other decorative facets were pulling me along a mental journey tracing the footsteps of Brennan as his creative thoughts became alive.

An incised molding line from the heal extension of its butt-piece along the comb usually makes one think of "North Carolina". The diamond inlays made me think "Cumberland's of Tennessee", but then John Small of Vincennes, Indiana used them as well.

The big silver "man in the moon" behind the cheek-piece made me think specifically of two Kentucky made rifles, both from the Lexington area. Here I go… getting caught up in wanting to make a statement of "what is it"!

I hope that upon seeing these great pictures and feeling that surge of excitement, each student of the "Longrifle" will catch his (or her) breath and take some time…. and study. Study this little rifle! Get into the head of the maker! Follow wherever your thoughts take you… think about Crockett, the Alamo, Tennessee, Kentucky, and then…. GO AHEAD !!! Form your own opinions, share and discuss them freely with all the many others who will also get much pleasure from talking about this grand little rifle. For this is the lifeblood of today's Longrifle Culture. ENJOY!

Photos on the burlap background by Dr. Peter Marshall and Robert Weil. Copy by Mel Hankla.

David Crockett by Jesse Brennan

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

copper bust was made by Jesse after the J.G. Chapman portrait c.1834

2013 CLA Live Auction: The John Jacob Sheetz Rifle Project with Darrin McDonal and Jim Parker

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:03:00 +0000

On the morning of January 8, 1815, 2000 English Soldiers lay dead or wounded on a soggy, marshy battlefield six miles downriver from New Orleans. In a fight that lasted less than an hour, the Americans under Andrew Jackson had done the impossible and beaten the proud and powerful British army, touted to be the best in the world at that time. The Brits were well equipped, better supplied and had just defeated Napoleon’s massive well-trained army. On paper they should have smashed General Jackson forces, but they didn’t! Instead, they suffered a humiliating defeat and an unnecessary one. The Treaty of Ghent had already been signed on December 24, 1814, officially ending the war of 1812. The information had not reached American shores in time to prevent the battle.

The Kentucky rifle played an important role in the victory at New Orleans and one of those rifles has survived, emerging during the bicentennial celebration of that battle to tell us its story. To this date, it is the only known verifiable, documentable longrifle that can do so. Owned by Robert and Linda Melancon, it is a national firearm treasure, eyewitness to an improbable American victory that birthed a new sense of national pride and patriotism.

The original rifle is referred to as the Sheetz rifle, named after the man who built it, John Jacob Sheetz. It was carried by William Ross, a member of Thomas Beale’s riflemen. William, a family man with five sons and one daughter was a flour inspector for the port of New Orleans. He, along with the other 67 volunteers in Beale’s rifle corps engaged the British on three separate occasions; December 23, 28, 1814, and on the final battle of January 8, 1815. Beale’s rifle company was made up of distinguished New Orleans businessmen and civic leaders, most of them from Virginia. Each member wore a blue hunting shirt, black slouch hat and carried a Kentucky longrifle. On January 8, 1815, they formed the extreme right of General Andrew Jackson’s line. In front of the breastworks they were standing behind was a brick redoubt with cannons on it. The British briefly captured the redoubt, but Beale’s men picked them off and recaptured the position. Had they failed to do so, the British soldiers could have turned the captured cannons on the American line, probably changing the battle’s outcome. American military engineer Major A. Lacarriere Latour gives this eyewitness account, “To get into the redoubt was not a very arduous achievement: the difficulty was to maintain possession of it and then clear the [American] breastworks of the entrenchment in the rear of the redoubt, which still remained to be attacked… Colonel Robert Rennie, followed by two other officers of high rank, had begun to mount the breastwork, when the gallant riflemen under Captain Beale made them find their graves in the redoubt they had mastered with so much gallantry.”[i]

John Jacob Sheetz 1785-1860 was a well-respected and prolific gun builder that lived and worked in Shepherdstown, Virginia (now West Virginia). John and his brother Martin learned the gun building trade from their father, Phillip who apprenticed under George Unkafare of York County, Pennsylvania in 1760. Surviving firearms made by Phillip, John and Martin Sheetz exhibit excellent architectural design, mechanical dependability and artistic execution. Because this gun was built in Virginia and exhibits the regional design characteristics in the stock profile, metal engraving and stock carving it should be referred to as a Virginia Rifle. There were a number of these different schools of gun making in Pennsylvania (Lancaster, York, Reading, etc.), identified with the Kentucky rifle. These schools were associated with the regions and/or the influence of the master gunsmiths where they were made.

William Ross’s firearm is a great example of a Kentucky rifle made in what is known as the Golden Age. That is the period of time that Kentucky rifles reached the apex of their architectural design and artistic expression; after the American Revolution and into the first quarter of the nineteenth century. It is a .38 caliber flintlock longrifle in fine original condition, including the ramrod. With a simple repair to the weak sear spring, it could be fired. The 42 inch wrought iron barrel is rifled with a 1 turn in 36 inches twist and is clearly marked on the top flat with J. SHEETZ. In viewing the expertly carved, curly maple stock and the engraving on the patchbox, classic Virginia styling is evident. The forestock shows molding and incised carving running parallel to the barrel from the ramrod entry pipe to a point near the muzzle. To the rear of the cheekpiece are two C scrolls, placed back to back, utilizing a combination of raised and incised carving. Where the two C scrolls meet, a motif of a fan has been incised terminating with what looks like a pineapple finial. In front of the cheekpiece is another C scroll incised with cross hatching in the middle of it. Both the cheekpiece and the upper wrist area have oval silver inlays. The cheekpiece inlay is finely engraved, the wrist inlay is not. Between the end of the tang and the wrist inlay is an incised carving of a four-petal flower (identified as edelweiss). The brass patchbox is a typical Virginia style with a finely engraved (edelweiss) flower finial similar to the wrist. James Ross, William’s son and executor of his will, had the patchbox engraved in 1837 with the following inscription: “This rifle was used by my father Wm. Ross, member of Capt. Tho. Beale’s Company of New Orleans riflemen in defense of N. Orleans 1814-1815. James Ross 1837.”[ii] Curiously, somebody crudely attempted to scratch William Ross’s name and the 1837 date off the patchbox lid but the remaining engraving can still be faintly read. No one knows who, when or why.

The successful conclusion of the Battle of New Orleans thrust the Kentucky rifle into an iconic status as the weapon that helped beat the British. “The results of the Battle of New Orleans,” wrote Kentucky rifle historian Joe Kindig Jr, “is an interesting testimony to the efficiency of the Kentucky rifle. …This battle was fought with practically the identical musket with bayonet as carried by the English in the Revolution. Since no real advancement had been made in either weapon between the two wars, the efficiency of the rifle was proven beyond doubt.” [iii] Stuart Landry, Battle of New Orleans historian states, “… the Battle of Chalmette [January 8, 1815] was won by the long rifle. Very few of the British wounded had only one wound. Some had seven wounds and one man who fell received seventeen wounds.” [iv]

Alexander Walker notes the marksmanship of Beale’s riflemen, “The three slain [British] officers were dragged from the ditch and taken behind the [American] lines. Almost immediately a contest broke out among Beale’s riflemen as to who would claim the honor of having dispatched the British colonel. A man named William Weathers, a merchant in town and recognized by all as the best shot in the group settled the argument with the simple statement, ‘If he isn’t hit above the eyebrow, it wasn’t my shot.’ They rolled [Robert] Rennie’s body over and sure enough the fatal shot had caught the officer just over the eyebrow. The other two officers had been riddled with rifle balls.” [v]

Because of the role the Kentucky rifle played in that victory, it became immortalized in a popular poem written by Samuel Woodworth and set to music by Noah Ludlow in May 1822 at the French theater in New Orleans, Louisiana called The Hunters of Kentucky.

“Ye gentlemen and ladies fair who grace this famous city,
Just listen, if you’ve time to spare, while I rehearse a ditty;
And for the opportunity, conceive yourselves quite lucky,
For ‘tis not often here you see a hunter from Kentucky.
Chorus: Oh, Kentucky, the Hunters of Kentucky,
We are a hardy, free-born race, each man to fear a stranger,
Whate’er the game we join in chase, despising toil and danger.
And if a daring foe annoys, whate’er his strength or forces,
We’ll show them that Kentucky boys are alligator-horses.
Chorus:
I s’spose you’ve read it in the prints, how Pakenham attempted
To make Old Hickory JACKSON wince, but soon his scheme repented:
For we with rifle ready cock’d, thought such occasion lucky,
And soon around the general flock’d the Hunters of Kentucky.
Chorus:
But Jackson, he was wide awake, and was not scared of trifles:
For well he knew what aim we’d take with our Kentucky rifles.”

As a way to commemorate the bi-centennial of the War of 1812, the Contemporary Longrifle Association (CLA) has commissioned Darrin McDonal and Jim Parker to build a documentary copy of the Sheetz rifle. It will be auctioned off during the CLA’s annual convention in Lexington, Kentucky on Saturday, August 17, 2013.

NMLRA member Darrin McDonal, from Channahon, Illinois is a seasoned builder of contemporary muzzleloading firearms with 28 gun projects under his belt. A member of the CLA since 2006, he prefers 1750-1780s flintlock long guns and pistols, but has also built Plains rifles. Darrin did all the rough stocking and inletting on the Sheetz rifle, except the patchbox and trigger guard. In addition, he made and installed the hardware i.e. ramrod pipes, side plate muzzle cap and did half of the wood carving. Darrin also forged the trigger, trigger plate and frizzen spring. Although he has made bench copies of original guns, this is the first documentary project he has taken on. "I knew this project would be challenging”, said Darrin, “but from my first look at the original rifle, I knew we had to do our best to recreate 'that' rifle. Not a bench copy. This is my tribute to those two men, Mr. Sheetz and Mr. Ross and what they did for us."

Jim Parker, from Warrior, Alabama, is a mechanical engineer by trade, who has completed 63 gun building projects. He built his first rifle in 1970 and enjoys building pre-Revolutionary War and Golden Age guns. He is a lifetime NRA member, a seven year member of the CLA, the FEGA and a longtime member of the NMLRA. Jim said that he studied the engraving on the original patchbox for months before he ever started work on the auction rifle. “I love Kentucky rifles and I enjoy history,” he said. “This rifle exudes the history of the actual making of our great nation; I could not walk away from an opportunity to recreate it.” Jim also donated the sterling silver for the cheek piece and wrist inlay for the project.

Literally hundreds of hours have been dedicated to this project and every attention has been given to detail. Over a thousand pictures were taken during the building process. In trying to match the color of the documentary copy to the original gun stock, 25 different trial samples were made using leftover wood from the documentary copy for testing.

For both of these gun builders, having the original one to refer to was a big asset. This was made possible by the gracious generosity of Robert and Linda Melancon. They acquired the Sheetz rifle in 1982 from the renowned Royal Street shop of James H. Cohen and Sons Inc. in New Orleans and their on-going research has shed much light on the rifle, its original history and its role during the battle of New Orleans.

The following CLA members also graciously contributed to the Sheetz rifle project. Ed Rayl donated the barrel, Wayne Dunlop the stock blank, Mark Wheland inletted the barrel into the stock blank, Scott Pobjoy donated sheet brass and Reaves Goehring provided the buttplate and trigger guard. Jim Chambers donated the lock, and Jim Parker donated the sterling silver.

Whoever has the winning bid will own an accurate, shootable replica of the rifle made by John Jacob Sheets and used by William Ross during the Battle of New Orleans. The documentary copy by Darrin McDonal and Jim Parker was on display at the CLA Educational Booth during the 2013 NRA convention in Houston, Texas.

To see all the photos from the building process go here.

Darrin McDonal can be reached at:

26113 W. Lauren Drive

Channahon, IL 60410

Email: frontierflintlocks@yahoo.com

Phone: 815-467-8108

Jim Parker can be reached at:

3445 Self Creek Rd.

Warrior, AL 35180

Email: Jim.Parker2@jacobs.com

Phone: 205-566-1387

[i] Latour, A., Lacarriere, A Historical Memoir of the War in West Florida and Louisiana in 1814-1815, John Conrad and Company, 1816, Pg. 158

[ii] Melancon, Robert, A Virginia Rifle at the Battle of New Orleans, The Kentucky Rifle Association Bulletin, Volume 27, Number 1, The Kentucky Rifle Association, 2000, Pg. 4

[iii] Kindig, Joe, Jr., Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age, Trimmer Printing, Inc., 1960

[iv] Landry, Stuart, O., Side Lights on the Battle of New Orleans, Pelican Publishing Co., 1965, Pg. 31

[v] Walker, Alexander, Jackson and New Orleans, New York, 1856, Pg. 335-337

Copy and photos supplied by the Contemporary Longrifle Foundation. Photography of the John Jacob Sheetz rifle and the Darin Mcdonal and Jim Parker copy by Ric Lambert. Photographs of the building process by Robert Melancon. Photos of Robert and Linda Melancon and the original rifle by Mark Sage. Copy by Mark Sage, reprinted by permission of Muzzle Blasts.

Powder Measure by Bob Dodson

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

A very nice carved and etched antler tip powder measure that is approximately 50 grs. capacity. The small etched patterns are very carefully applied and the attachment hole is adequate.

Copy and photos supplied by Bob Dodson of Long Rifle Shooting Bags.

Rifle by John Gaeckl

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:03:00 +0000

Photos supplied by John Gaeckl.

Haversack by Eric Fleisher

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:02:00 +0000

Photos supplied by Eric Fleisher.

Civil War Sewing Kit of John E. Hobson

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Civil War Sewing Kit of John E. Hobson

Referred to by soldiers during the war as a Housewife. This one is a hand-sewn folding cloth wallet with pockets and flaps, made of red cotton with blue trim and the monogram J.E.H. stitched in green, includes 6 needles, 3.75" x 9" fully open and 3.75" x 3" closed.

John E. Hobson, an 18 year old cutler from Buckland, MA, mustered into K Company, Mass. 60th Infantry on July 22, 1864.

Condition: Scattered holes in cotton.

Copy and photo from Cowan's.

First Rifle by Cody Robustellini

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:03:00 +0000

Cody Robustellini is 14 years old and did this as a school project.

Ron Paull has taken this young man of 14 under his wing to tutor in the skill of rifle building. Cody wanted a rifle he could hunt with on Kodiak Island, Home of the Big Bears. Ron suggested for his first gun and percussion smooth bore of 12 gauge. Something big enough to handle anything Kodiak has to offer.

While following no particular school, Cody built this sturdy half stock 12 guage from a blank. The barrel was an Ed Rayl which Ron helped Cody shape. This is Cody's first muzzle loader and a fine job at that. Cody will be working this summer for a commericial fisherman in hopes of buying parts to build another muzzle loader next winter.

Many of us "old Timers" remember the name Ron Paull. He was well known for his western fur trade era muzzle loading firearms. Ron worked for Green River in Roosevelt, Utah in the 1970's. In 1977 he left Green River Rifle works and went out on his own. In 1986 Ron got "his calling" and went to seminary college and still built a few rifles while in College. After graduation and getting a Pastoring position in Montana Ron continued to build a few rifles. In 2006 Ron and his wife Jean moved to Port Lions on the backside of Kodiak Island and began serving God and the people there. While living the rugged Alaskan life style, Ron has continued to serve God, the people and build a rifle every so often.

Copy by Scott Sibley with photos supplied by Ron Paull.

Joe Schell Knife

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Photos supplied by Joe Schell.

John Schippers

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:03:00 +0000

Photographed at the 2012 CLA Show by Jan Riser.

Antique Measure

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Photographed at the 2013 Tennessee Kentucky Rifle Show by Jan Riser.

Hunting Pouch by Darrell Lang

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:02:00 +0000

The bag that I am currently using just wasn't deep enough, so using the same bag pattern I made it a little deeper and half inch wider, (7x8) and changed the style of the flap. I also played around with the strap. I had some left over piece of strapping left from other project, so I ended up with it being 1 1/4" wide and tapering it down to fit a one inch iron buckle. I then spliced in a one inch wide tongue to fit the buckle. It worked out well and I like the look. It's just a simple leather bag 3/4 oz. veg tanned leather, welted seam and hand sewn with waxed linen thread. The flap is made up of two pieces of leather 4 oz. backed with 2 oz. so not to be to thick, the edge is hand stitched then burnished to give it a nice finished look. A small amount of tooling added along with a button closer.

Copy and photos supplied by Darrell Lang.

Horn Cups by Ron Vail

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Photos by Shelly Vail.

Ax by Eric Schatzel

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:03:00 +0000

Ax by Eric Schatzel

Peace Medal by Walt Miller

Silver Work by Dave Hughes

Antique Powder Horn

Click on the name to see additional photos of individual items.

Photographed by Jan Riser.

18th Century Candle Holder by Manfred Schmitz.

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

the candles are also made by Manfred

Copy and photos supplied by Contemporary Makers' European Correspondent, Manfred Schmitz.

Quilled Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Contemporary Makers) — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:03:00 +0000

Photographed by Jan Riser.