2014 CLA Live Auction: Iron Mounted Elisha Bull Rifle by Roger Sells

Roger Sells is a well known contemporary builder and is a regular at the Lake Cumberland CLA Mini Show and at the KRA Show held at the Museum of Appalachia. He is noted for extremely well-made iron mounted Appalachian rifles and great Hawken rifles.

Roger lives in an area of Tennessee where gunsmiths lived and worked during the 1800 to early 1900 time frame. Roger notes that he was exposed to iron mounted Southern rifles at the age of 12, but he was not really interested in the history, design, and function of the rifles until he returned from military service in 1969. "My interest grew and I soon learned to love these iron mounted rifles because of their simple functional design and graceful lines. Rifles built by Ambrose Lawing, the Bean family, William Douglas, and Elisha Bull are close to my heart, but the rifles built by Elisha Bull of Bulls Gap Tennessee are my favorites."

When Roger decided to build a rifle for the CLA auction he chose an iron mounted Southern rifle with some of Elisha Bull's characteristics, considering the auction focus on the War of 1812 period. Elisha served as a private in a regiment of East Tennessee volunteers during the War of 1812. And Roger had been wanting to build a rifle like this for some time.

Roger did not build a bench copy of a specific Elisha Bull rifle, but he did incorporate characteristics from Elisha's double grease hole rifle and one of his tri-metal fancy rifles, combining those with characteristics Roger normally uses to build his own rifles. The results are this elegant, clean and very Elisha Bull like auction rifle. Roger said "My focus was to build a simple functional rifle with graceful lines like the rifles built by Elisha Bull." He certainly succeeded.

Roger used the following components:

Rice "A" weight 44 inch .40 cal. swamped barrel with square cut rifling.

Chamber's late Ketland flintlock

Davis #4 triggers

Walnut stock blank from Harrison's Gunstocks

The iron hardware and rear sight were fabricated in Roger's shop

This is truly a notable contemporary longrifle and exemplifies the period when the frontier was moving west, the economy was shifting to steamboats and cotton, and the classic iron mounted Southern rifles were reaching their artistic peak. It is difficult to achieve the true elegance of line, excellence of the iron mounts, and balanced architecture that carries a simple un-ornamented tool into a classic artwork. Roger Sell's Elisha Bull inspired rifle does 

You can contact Roger via email at: 

rbpodge@twlakes.net

2014 CLA Live Auction: Southern Mountain Rifle by Marc Tornichio

This early iron mounted Southern longrifle was created by Marc Tornichio This rifle is not a copy of any one rifle but incorporates the architecture and features of several early iron mounted rifles of the western Virginia/Carolina Appalachian area from the 1790 to 1810 period. It shows the quality workmanship of a trained and talented gunsmith from 200 years ago or today. Marc says, "The rifle has a lot of characteristics of the GB rifle with a touch of the MESDA gun." Wallace Gusler published an article on the "GB" rifle titled "A Fine Iron Mounted Rifle" in the September 2004 Muzzle Blasts. Wallace noted the step wrist architecture and fine workmanship, attributing the rifle to southwestern Virginia or eastern Tennessee circa 1790. Another picture of the rifle can be found on page 32 of the July 2012 American Tradition. The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (M.E.S.D.A.) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has another step wrist rifle with iron mountings and carving by an unknown maker often referred to as the MESDA rifle. Pictures of this rifle are published on page 109 of Longrifles of Virginia by James Butler, and on page 43 of the January 2012 American Tradition. This rifle exemplifies the early period of the iron mounted southern rifle, prior to 1810, still showing some Germanic and English details but also the functional elegance of an evolving trans-mountain culture with details like the captured lid iron box.

Rifles like this were carried on the southwestern frontier, by both the frontiersmen and the Indians. In deadly conflicts such as the "Chickamauaga War" between the American settlers, Cherokees, and Creeks, spanning the years after the Revolution and prior to the War of 1812 rifles made by regional gunmakers were carried and used by both sides. For settlers and natives in the mountain backcountry their rifle guns were often their most valuable possessions; sometimes bought at great cost; sometimes bartered for in times of peace; and sometimes taken as a prize of victory. References for this fact can be found as early as 1757. Both Cherokee and Creek chiefs, especially those of mixed Scots and Native American lineage like Bob Benge, William McIntosh, Alexander McGillivray, used these iron mounted rifles with deadly purpose. Scots Irish frontiersmen like the Crocketts, Shelbys, Campbells and McDowells and native allies among the Chickasaw and Choctaw, also used these prized southern black rifles with the same deadly purpose. These elegant and serviceable weapons continued to serve in the War of 1812 and throughout the westward movement from Missouri onto the Rocky Mountains

Marc's work in iron is a continuation of a chain of evolution in contemporary gunmaking that began with Hershel House in the 1960s and continues today through gunmakers like Ian Pratt, Mike Miller and Roger Sells, to name only a few. Marc has been influenced both by Ian Pratt and Jim Kibler in his building, craftsmanship and attention to historical detail. The rifle's 48 caliber custom profiled 46" swamped barrel by Ed Rayl is a copy of a barrel from an original rifle stamped "GB". Although not the barrel from the rifle in Wallace Gusler's Muzzle Blast article this ties in another "GB" gun. It has an English Ketland style lock donated by Jim Chambers and a showy stump curly maple stock donated by Nathan Cox and Pat Harrison of Harrison's Sawmill . All the forged iron work is masterfully done by Marc. The fully captured lid box with finial piercing has a "GB" inspired outline. The double set triggers are made completely from scratch incorporating details strongly rooted in the southwest Virginia region and used by Jacob Young and others. His stock work on this trim, stepped wrist rifle exemplifies his abilities to transform his research and talents into an outstanding example of an early longrifle.

This a fine example of the rifles carried on the southeastern frontier. This rifle is another of the great contemporary interpretations of the fascinating schools of gunmaking in western Virginia, North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and across Kentucky. Understanding of these schools is expanding and they appear to have produced some of the finest longrifles crafted in the South. This rifle ties in as a precursor in style to the Marvin Kemper Lexington rifle featured in the 2013 CLA Fundraising Auction and also the Roger Sells Elisha Bull featured in this years auction. This is a chance to own an excellent example of an impeccably styled and fabricated early iron mounted rifle by Marc Tornichio, a young contemporary gunmaker whose name is becoming more known with each passing year.

Marc can be contacted at:

marctorch@hotmail.com

2014 CLA Live Auction

The Contemporary Longrifle Association will hold its 2014 CLA Fundraising live auction on Friday night, August 15, at 5:00 PM in Lexington Kentucky.Grand Ball Room, Lexington Convention Center, 400 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY.  Note the auction time has changed and it will be on Friday night this year.  Those who cannot attend Friday can take advantage of the absentee bidding process established last year.

The Contemporary Longrifle Foundation organizes and conducts the live auction.  The CLF is a part of the CLA.  The Foundation is dedicated to providing funds to support the mission of the CLA.  Postings with additional details on each auction item and the donors can be found on the CL Foundation section of the CLA website.  For the past three years, the auction theme has been related to the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812.   Last year's auction theme focused on the Battle of New Orleans and, thanks to all of you, it was very successful. This year will be the final Auction themed on the War of 1812 and will be broadly based on the American culture as the war of 1812 ended.  This includes the Westward movement, the conflict with and among the Native American tribes involved in the war; Southern influences on the longrifle and the longrifle culture; and, the transition of the frontier from the Trans-Appalachian across the Mississippi to the plains and mountains of the far west.

We have three southern-themed firearms currently being built for the auction by noted CLA artists, Mike Miller, Roger Sells, and Marc Tornichio.  Each of these are inspired by rifles and pistols related to Southern frontier gunsmiths of the War of 1812 era.  We have two knives, a folder by Scott Summerville and a belt knife by Jerry Eitner plus knives by Joe Seabolt, Rich McDonald and others that are part of hunting bag sets. This years auction will feature an extraordinary selection of hunting bags and accoutrements; a double bag, a bag and horn, and 4 complete hunting bag sets. The bags and sets are late 18th to early 19th century style and are variously southern, Illinois country, and western river; Ohio, Cumberland, Missouri and Mississippi, influenced.  All would look right at home from the upper Cumberland to the upper Missouri.

Mike Miller is copying an iconic southern flintlock pistol  - the Elisha Bull “death or victory” pistol – possibly Elisha’s personal pistol that he made and used in the southern conflicts associated with the War.  Guy Montfort said about the original pistol “If someone totally unfamiliar with these guns asked you something as simple as - "what were southern guns like?" and you could only show them one example, you could point to this Elisha Bull piece and feel comfortable that they were getting a good lesson in all the important stuff.Simple - well, subtle is a better word I guess - the more you look at it the more you realize is there - elegant yet still sort of humble; proud, determined, fiercely independent with that "don't cross me" attitude proudly engraved on it. Conjures up ghosts of folks like John Sevier, Andy Jackson, and Davy Crockett.”  This is almost a bench copy of the original pictured here.  Mike was able to handle, measure and photograph the original.  The pistol exhibits Mike’s impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. There is more on Mike in the April 2014 issue of Muzzle Loader magazine

Roger Sells is constructing an Elisha Bull inspired rifle.   Not an exact copy of any one Elijah Bull rifle it incorporates many of the signature features of Elijah’s work.  I think this is an appropriate approach because Elisha Bull was always developing and refining the the western Appalachian style.  This rifle features iron furniture, a long barrel and an extended tang in the best Bull style.  Roger Sells is noted for his finely styled and crafted iron mounted rifles with those extra touches of the best southern mountain smiths.  An accomplished builder, his work often appears on the Contemporary Makers Blog http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com

Marc Tornichio is building a contemporary interpretation of an early iron mounted rifle circa 1800 to1810.  A style of rifle that would have been on the southern mountain frontier, fought in the war of 1812, and headed on west. It is not a copy, but it is based on several rifles.  Marc says it is influenced a lot by the Wallace Gusler 2003 article on the “GB” rifle iron mounted rifle with stepped toe architecture. It also draws inspiration from several other original southern rifles with iron mounts. Marc is using a barrel that Ed Rayl copied directly from a very early southwest Virginia iron-mounted rifle. The length is over 46" and it is 48 cal. The lock is a Jim Chambers late Ketland which was donated by Jim. Harrison gunstocks donated a piece of curly stump maple for the rifle. Marc is forging the butt plate, trigger guard and double set triggers. He will be making all the other parts from scratch also, except for the screws. There will probably be carving along with a patch box. Although not a copy, it is strongly based on surviving original rifles from the southwest Virginia area.

The two rifles and pistol are a good sampling of early 19th century guns with strong southern features.  They showcase the style of rifles moving with the Southern Appalachian frontier, showing up at the war of 1812 battles in the west, and moving on to the Rocky Mountains. Note by 1814 Lewis and Clark had been there and done that and folks like Manuel Lisa and John Coulter were there and doing that! Many of these men, like the Sublettes - had family roots on the early Kentucky or Tennessee frontiers.

Jerry Eitner has donated one of his notable frontier blacksmith style hunting knives with sheath, Scott Summerville one of his high quality period accurate folding knives with bone scales.  Note that knives by Rich McDonald, Joe Seabolt accompany their hunting bag sets.  Jerry Eitner’s knife is rugged and reliable, forged from 1080 steel.  The 5 1/2 blade has an Indiana deer antler handle.  Paired with the black leather sheath this knife says frontier and use me.

Scott Summerville donated one of his elegant period correct folding knives.  This knife has bone scales and the crocus polish of best Sheffield and Solingen folders of the early 19th century.

The selection of hunting bags and bags sets for this auction is really remarkable.  I really want one of these bags, I just cannot decide which one. 

Noted pouch maker, Maryellen Pratt teamed up with noted blacksmith Joe Seabolt for this years auction. Maryellen made the pouch, horn strap, and lucet. Joe Seabolt made everything else. The set is in part based original work of the period but is really a contemporary bag and horn set inspired by work of the early 1800s. The D shaped pouch is made of a mix of bark tanned deer hide and calf hide, hand sewn with linen thread. Has a forged iron buckle and fringed embellishments on the flap and sheath.   The contemporary horn by Joe Seabolt has a unique iron "end cap" stamped w/ makers mark, and a turned walnut applied tip. The spout plug is secured by a length of lucet cordage hand woven by Maryellen, an interesting small detail. Maryellen also produced the loom woven strap with leather ends. There is a river cane powder measure and vent pick suspended by steel chain -  powder measure features burned in decoration- and a Seabolt traditional antler handled half tang patch knife.

Jeanne McDonald has donated a Southern Mountain bag with classic lines and  a woven strap, the workmanship definitely being of the better class of southern bag, then or now.  Rich McDonald furnished the knife and the classic accoutrements, a fish bullet block, and handcrafted brush, net pick and measure. 

Chris Barker designed and assembled a great early 19th century (or late 18th century) bag.  The bag is by Chris with a lined deerskin body.  The bag also features a complete set of accoutrerments,including a Jeff White knife, Mark Ewing powder measure and Southern banded horn, and hand forged iron buckles and vent pick from Wilde Weavery. Chris fabricated a pan brush to complete the set.

Don and Tina Shaver have contributed a great beaver tail shaped bag with nicely sculpted buffalo powder horn and bone measure. Both the bag and horn have excellent workmanship and style and Don and Tina are well known for their work.  I think it is a classic early Missouri/rocky mountain style perfect for heading west at the end of the war.

Well known, long time hunting pouch maker William Smith has donated a special bag for the fundraising auction. This is a double bag with double pockets in each section. A large bag it has the holding and organizing features a shooter or trekking reenactor needs. The black leather is of top shelf quality and the design, stitching, and fitting is best cordwainers work.  Bill’s pouches have a reputation with serious shooters for their well thought design, workmanship and durability and this one will offer it’s lucky owner a lifetime of service.

 This year promises to be another great auction.  The CLA greatly appreciates the support of the artists who donate their time and talent to make the auction a success.  We also appreciate the bidders who support the auction. Remember, the auction this year is on Friday,  If you cannot be there remember absentee bidding is available.

There will be  a special separate auction item donated by Earl Lanning.  It is not by a CLA artist so it will be auctioned separately.  This appealing image of  of Simon Kenton in a winter camp did hang in Earl’s home for many years. There is nice attention to detail in the depictions of the clothing, arms and accoutrements; this piece looks like it could be gracing a museum display about Kenton and his life on the frontier through the War of 1812.   It is oil on canvas by "Selleikjer N.A." Date unknown. Some damage, sold as is.

For those who are unable to attend the annual show, we are once again offerering an absentee bid process.  Absentee bids can be mailed or emailed to the CLF and will be accepted up to 5 days prior to the auction.  All bids must include the maximum bid amount, credit card information(type and #s required) and full contact information.  Shipping and insurance will be added to the final bid price. All sales are final.  

Forward bids to the Contemporary Longrifle Foundation :  The postal address is CLA, attention Auction Manager, POBox 2247, Staunton VA 24402 and email is cla@longrifle.com please put "Auction Bid" in the subject line.

A note on phone bids: we do not have  the structure to handle live phone bids through the CLF.  However bidders are welcome to make their own arrangements with friends on the floor to handle bids by cell phone.

After the auction we will notify winning bidders of the charges, and we will notify those who were outbid. 

The CLA wishes to thank all of our donating artists and encourage you to give them your patronage.  Their contact information follows.

Jerry Eitner - Frontier blacksmith knife and sheath

ike47949@yahoo.com

Scott Summerville - Period folding knife

summerville1757@yahoo.com

Bill Smith   Double hunting pouch with multiple inset pockets

wsmithblackpowder@windstream.ne

Maryellen Pratt and Joe Seabolt - Bag, horn and knife

mlovepratt@hotmail.com

TC Albert and Tim Crosby - pouch and horn set

Chris Barker - Pouch, Horn, knife, vent pick and ball bag, set

 csbarkeriii@tat.net

Rich and Jean McDonald - Pouch, measure, brush, pick ,and bullet board

RMCLongknives@aol.com

Don  and Tina Shaver - Bag and Horn Set

shavertina@gmail.com

William Smith - Hunting Bag

wsmithblackpowder@windstream.net

Marc Tornichio - Iron mounted rifle

marctorch@hotmail.com

Roger Sells   Bull rifle,  iron mounted

rbpodge@twlakes.net

Mike Miller  Copy of Elisha Bull pistol

riflemaker@aol.com

http://www.millerlongrifles.com

We also wish to offer a special thank you to Earl Lanning for his donation of a painting of Simon Kenton by the artist  N.A Selleikjer 

2014 CLA Live Auction: Pouch, Measure, Brush, Pick, & Bullet Board by Rich and Jeanne McDonald

Rich and Jeanne McDonald are well known CLA Artists. Rich and Jeanne have been married over 29 years and live on a small farm in southern Ohio. They are part of the southern Ohio contingent contributing to this auction including Joe Seabolt and Maryellen Pratt.

Rich bought his first muzzleloader at the age of 12 and has been hooked ever since. Rich started forging knives and and tomahawks in 1990 and now does it as a full time occupation He was a farrier for about 20 years before this change. Rich also builds very clean and neat longrifles and fowlers; his iron mounted rifles are remarkable. Rich occasionally does horns and other accoutrements.

Jeanne started making knife sheaths when Rich began making knives. Jeanne expanded into hunting pouches, haversacks, quivers and other muzzleloading accouterments. She especially enjoys weaving and is particularly good at it. 

Jeanne is the recipient of several Judge's Choice Awards at Dixon's Fair. Rich has numerous awards from various shows. Their work is in collections around the globe. 

Jeanne McDonald has donated a Southern Mountain bag with classic lines and a woven strap, the workmanship definitely being of the better class of southern bag, then or now. Rich McDonald furnished the knife and the classic accoutrements, a bullet block, and brush, vent pick and measure. The bag is made from bark tanned deerskin and hand sewn with linen thread. The strap she wove of hemp and cotton. She also made the sheath for the knife. Rich made the thin walled 60 grain antler powder measure, the pick and brush set, and the neat fish shaped .50 caliber bullet block. The knife is forged from 1084. 

Rich and Jeanne wanted to create a pouch that could have seen service at the Battle of New Orleans and in keeping with that thought Rich engraved the initials M S and 1815 date on the antler handle, perhaps the knife of legendary Kentucky hunter Mike Stevers or maybe Michel Stoner who died that year.

This is a great bag, look closely at photos for the workmanship.

 

You can contact Rich and Jeanne McDonald at:

Rich & Jeanne McDonald
5010 Carmel Rd.
Hillsboro, OH 45133
937-466-2071
Email Rich: rmclongknives@aol.com
Email Jeanne: jmcleatherstuff@aol.com
Website: http://www.longknivesandleather.com/

Photo 1 is by Ric Lambert, photos 2 through 4 are by Heinz Ahlers and 5 and 6 by Rich McDonald.

2014 CLA Live Auction: Hunting Pouch and Horn Set by Donald and Tina Shaver

CLA artist Donald and Tina Shaver handcrafted this circa 1810 to 1825 hunting pouch and horn set for the 2014 CLA fundraising auction. The pouch is a classic beaver tail pouch with a carved buffalo powder horn.

Donald Shaver’s interest in American History began during his youth and he started reenacting about 30 years ago through the Boy Scouts. His first period of interpretation was the Rocky Mountain fur trade era of the 1830s, then 15 years ago he met quill worker Shawn Webster who introduced him to the Eastern Woodland Indian culture of the 1700s. As his need for proper research deepened, so did his library - as he light heartedly comments, “Let’s just say my passion for collecting books about the Woodland Indian culture has gotten out of hand.”

After years of study and research, today he portrays the living history persona of an 18th century Woodland Indian.  As a result of his devotion to correctly interpreting these native people, he is frequently asked to model for nationally known historical artists.

His interests also include blacksmithing and working with horn, especially making powder horns.  Don reverted slightly for this beavertail pouch and buffalo horn rig in keeping with this year’s auction theme of change and expansion at the close of the War of 1812.

Don and Tina are repeat auction donors. Donald had this say in 2013 about his donation, “I wanted to donate his pouch and horn set to our fundraising auction to help further the preservation of these skills, and encourage the continued showcasing of the artists.”

For 2014 they have contributed a great beaver tail shaped bag with nicely sculpted buffalo powder horn and 75 grain cane measure. Both the bag and horn have excellent workmanship and style.   I think this is a classic early Missouri/rocky mountain style perfect for heading west at the end of the 1812 war.  Don and Tina are well known for their work and this pouch and horn are another great example.

You can contact Donald at:

Donald Shaver

360 North Murphy

Pahrump NV. 89060

Phone: 702-465-1638

Email: ShaverDonald@hotmail.com

Top photo by Ric Lambert. All other photos by Heinz Ahlers.

2014 CLA Live Auction: Robert Pawling Native American Style Bag

Robert Pawling is a CLA artisan specializing in dyed porcupine quill embroidery of many kinds done on braintanned deerskins to produce 18th C. Northeast Native accoutrements. 

Bob has extended his style a bit in keeping with this years auction theme of westward expansion.  Bob has produced a bag like the indians of the western plains and mountains were producing in the period of early contact. It would be appropriate for a hunter/scout/trapper anytime in the first quarter of the 19th century.   This bag is constructed of brain tanned deerskin with the lining and the flap of antique upholstery material.  The white beads are old trade beads, and the front panel is decorated with dyed porcupine quills in line quilling and zigzag methods.  The bag is sewn with artificial sinew and modern dyes were used on some quills.

Robert has graciously donated this bag with its excellent craftsmanship and style to support the continued efforts of the CLA  who use these funds support too promote the modern artists who make the contemporary longrifles and related accoutrements.

Contact Robert Pawling at:

789 East Main St.
Poultney, VT 05764
phone number: 802-287-9734

2014 CLA Live Auction: Hunting Pouch by Bill Smith

The hunting pouch is an icon of the American frontier.  By the early 19th century pouches could show distinct regional variations, wide ranges in quality from home made to finest cordwainers work, and variations in size and shape based on use.  This years auction presents a stunning range of bags and accoutrements.

Bill Smith has donated a double bag of finely tanned deer skin with double internal compartments.  Bill has been making bags for over 20 years and they are very popular with re-enactors and shooters alike.  

This black leather bag exhibits very fine workmanship, an example of the best 19th century cordwainer’s art.  The stitching is so well done as to be decorative in itself.  Hand forged iron buckles and a woven strap complete the bag.  The multiple compartments would serve the long hunter very well.  It would also work equally well for the organized shooter or the packrat like myself.

BlIl Smith’s contact information is:

William Smith

8930 Bardstown Rd

Elizabethtown  KY 42701

wsmithblackpowder@windstream.net

Photo by Ric Lambert and copy by Heinz Ahlers.

2014 CLA Live Auction: Elisha Bull Inspired Rifle by Roger Sells

Elisha Bull inspired rifle by Roger Sells

Roger Sells is a well known contemporary builder and is a regular at the Southern rifle events at Lake Cumberland and the the Museum of Appalachia.  He is noted for extremely well made iron mounted mounted Appalachian rifles and some great Hawken rifles. 

Roger lives in an area of Tennessee where gunsmiths lived and worked in the the 1800 to early 1900 time frame.  Roger notes he was exposed to iron mounted Southern rifles at an early age (12 years of age), but was not really interested in the history, design, and function of the rifles until he returned from military service in 1969.  “My interest grew and I soon learned to love these iron mounted rifles because of their simple functional design and graceful lines.  Rifles built by Ambrose Lawing, the Bean family, William Douglas, and Elisha Bull are close to my heart, but the rifles built by Elisha Bull of Bulls Gap Tennessee are my favorites.”

When Roger decided to build a rifle for the CLA auction he chose an iron mounted Southern rifle inspired by Elisha Bull's rifles considering the auction focus on the War of 1812 period and the expansion westward.   Elisha served as a private in a regiment of East Tennessee volunteers during the War of 1812.  The Bulls’ clientele included frontiersmen, settlers and native Americans living in the region between the Appalachians and the Mississippi.  Many of their rifles surely found their way to battlefields such as Horseshoe Bend and New Orleans, and beyond to the places like the Alamo, the Rocky Mountains, and the western Indian territories.  Roger had been wanting to build a rifle like this for some time.  

Roger did not build a bench copy of a specific Elisha Bull rifle, but did incorporate characteristics from Elisha’s double grease hole rifle and one of his tri-metal fancy rifles with characteristics Roger normally uses to build his well known iron mounted rifles.  The results are this elegant, clean and very Elisha Bull like auction rifle.  Roger said “My focus was to build a simple functional rifle with graceful lines like the rifles built by Elisha Bull.” and he certainly succeeded.

Roger used the following components:

-  Rice "A" weight 44 inch .40 cal. swamped barrel with square cut rifling.

-  Chamber's late Ketland flint lock

-  Davis #4 triggers

-  Walnut stock blank from Harrison's Gunstocks

The iron hardware and rear sight were fabricated in Roger’s shop

This is truly a notable contemporary longrifle and exemplifies the period when the frontier was moving west, the economy was shifting to steamboats and cotton, and the classic iron mounted Southern rifles were reaching their artistic peak.  It is difficult to achieve the true elegance of line, excellence of the iron mounts, and balanced architecture that carries a simple un-ornamented tool into a classic artwork.  Roger Sell’s Elisha Bull inspired rifle does just that. 

2014 CLA Live Auction: "The Frontiersman” by Josh Shepherd

Josh Shepherd created this piece  Ttitled "The Frontiersman” it is 21" tall and made of hydrostone with a hand-applied finish.  It's a limited edition of 50; This is number 14 (In honor of 1814 and in keeping with the theme of the auction. The round hat, rifle and hunting shirt are characteristic of the working frontier  and the  detail on the horn, bag , and belt are remarkable. "The Frontiersman" is a well done casting catching the essence of the American frontiersmen looking for the next challenge

Josh is a noted contemporary artist  and has a article on Effigies on the American Frontier in the latest issue of American Traditions.

Copy by Heinz Ahlers with photo by Josh Shepherd.

2014 CLA Live Auction: Update

 

The CLA Fundraising Auction will take place on Friday, August 15  at 5:00.  This is a day earlier than last year and a day earlier than what was originally forecast this year.  The list of auction items has expanded a bit with powder horn from Ron Hess including a strap from Kris Polizzi.  Josh Shepherd has donated a casting he produced of an early 19th century frontiersman.  Both of these items will be posted later.  Attached are a few teasers on items yet to have full postings

In process Roger Sells Elisha Bull

Elisha Bull “Death or Victory” pistol being copied by Mike Miller

Copy by Heinz Ahlers.

2014 CLA Live Auction: Chris Barker Hunting Pouch Set

Chris Barker has donated a complete hunting pouch rig.  Chris designed the bag and constructed the rig, doing all of the leather work. 

The material for the bag was donated by Joel Ketonen of the Dallas Muzzle Loading Gun Club,  The accouterments were purchased from noted artisans.  The Southern banded horn and powder measure were made by Mark Ewing, the hand forged buckles and vent pick are from Wilde Weavery, the lining material is from Burnley and Trowbridge.  Jeff White made the knife and Chris notes “The knife is really sharp.  I like to play with anything that shoots, but am scared of the possibility of cutting myself.”

The pan brush is a recycled from a 38 special and a shoe brush.  This bag is roomy.  Sewn with 5 cord unbleached linen thread, it is completely appropriate to the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Everything on the bag is readily detachable so you can customize it as you wish.  I believe it is good to run the river with as it it is.

Although this could make a great display piece I believe it is meant to be used and will give long years of service to the successful bidder.

Chris Barker can be contacted at csbarkeriii@att.net

Copy by Heinz Ahlers with photo by Ric Lambert.