2019 CLA Live Auction: Double Beaver Hunting Bag by Bill Smith

“The hunting pouch,” explains Kentucky artist Bill Smith, “is an icon of the American frontier used in the 18th and 19th centuries.” But the modern frontiersman remains in need of a reliable bag for the woods or the range, and for this year’s CLF fundraising auction Smith has once again donated one of his renowned hunting bags.

Smith’s bags are widely regarded for their robust functionality, and this piece exceeds expectations. The body of the bag, which is made from hard wearing cowhide and lined with deerskin, is entirely hand sewn with waxed linen thread. In addition to two roomy compartments inside the bag, there is a pocket on the front and a large interior pocket for additional storage. The heavy leather shoulder strap, about two inches wide, is fully adjustable by means of a hand forged iron buckle.

            With three decades of experience, Smith is a longtime auction contributor to the nation’s premier organization for the preservation of traditional frontier arts. “The CLA,” says Smith, “is a great organization dedicated to artists.”

For more information on the work of Bill Smith, contact the artist directly at: wsmithblackpowder@windstream.net

Copy and photos supplied by CLF.

2017 CLF Auction Item: Hunting Pouch by Bill Smith

Few items in a modern longhunter’s kit are as important as a comfortable possibles bag.  Buyers on today’s market can find few bags as well made, aesthetically pleasing, or long lasting than those crafted by Kentucky artist Bill Smith.

Smith produces a custom-made bag for the CLA auction each year, and this year’s exceptional offering is sure to please prospective bidders.  Smith describes the bag as a small haversack or messenger’s bag, and it’s perfectly sized for a day hunt.  Typical of the artist’s work, this bag is constructed entirely of historically appropriate materials.  The body of the bag is crafted from genuine hemp canvas, at one time a staple agricultural product of frontier Kentucky.  Smith dyed the canvas in black walnut hulls and then sealed the surface with beeswax.  The front flap and shoulder strap is crafted from heavy weight but supple cow hide, and both are fitted with hand-forged iron buckles.  The body of the bag is entirely hand-sewn with 5 strand waxed linen.

Bill Smith’s bags are exemplary samples of the leatherworker’s craft and have set a precedent in the field for quality.  The artist explains that he plans to donate a bag to the CLA auction “every year until I can’t make bags anymore.”  It’s simply his way of supporting a worthy endeavor.  “I want to give back to the CLA,” says Smith, “it’s a wonderful organization.”

For more information on the work of the artist, contact:

Bill Smith

wsmithblackpowder@windstream.net

270-737-3597

Copy by Joshua Shepherd with photos by David Wright

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.