2021 CLA Live Auction: The Patriot’s Call – Providing For, and Defending the Homeland Since Colonial Times Colonial Rifle, Patriot Flag, & Stand by Paul Bigham and Paul Fennewald

 

Long before April 19th, 1775, when patriots at Lexington and Concord sent a loud message to the world that our freedom was everything to us, longrifles had been synonymous with providing food for colonial families, as well as protecting the homeland. This display captures that same spirit that sustained our forefathers, featuring a recreation of a colonial longrifle as well as a homespun patriot’s flag, supported by a weathered piece of oak and ash for the stand. When the call to fight for the freedom we all treasure came, patriots with rifles and muskets like this answered.

This Colonial era rifle started life as a .54 caliber, maple stock, Jim Kibler Colonial Rifle Kit.  The final fit and finish were provided by noted CLA gunmaker, Paul Bigham of Cuba, Missouri.  The rifle has a Siler lock and Rice barrel.  Paul expertly finished the wood, and added a tasteful amount of carving and metal engraving.  He also added an engraved silver “Compass Rose” to the cheekpiece, to help commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the CLA. The barrel and metal parts were left untouched after final polishing, to develop their own natural patina, just as the originals.

The “Patriot’s Flag”, made of cotton material, was dyed, and cut and sewn by Paul Fennewald.  It was aged, complete with bullet holes and powder burns, with help by Matthew Fennewald.  The stars were cut using the fold and single- snip method reported to have used by the first US Patriot Flag maker, Betsy Ross.  Both the rifle and flag are displayed on a weathered display stand of oak and ash.  A handmade flag, such as this, requires a great deal of time and careful attention; the combination of the rifle, flag and stand is a work of art.

(Editor’s note; Paul Bigham is a repeat supporter of the CLF auction. Paul Fennewald is also a repeat supporter, and the CLF Auction Chairman. The CLF thanks them both for their continued support.) 

Paul Bigham’s contact information is: lptabigham@aol.com       

Paul Fennewald’s contact information is: pfennewald@gmail.com

 

Photography by David Wright

Text by Paul Fennewald

2015 CLF Live Auction: Knife by Paul Bigham with Sheath by Steve Helfrich

Paul Bigham has created this handsome knife.The dark finished blade, one piece curly maple handle and dark finished grip cap make a knife with a great deal of style. Paul hand forged this knife and from 1084 steel and it features a full length tang with a riveted steel grip cap and a steel cross guard. Combined with the dark sheath made by Steve Helfrich this knife exhibits the clean simple design of the best 18th century Frontier pieces. This is the perfect companion for an iron mounted southern gun. And it would go equally well with a fine Virginia or Pennsylvania brass mounted rifle. With a 7-1/4 inch blade and an 11-1/2" overall length, this is an excellent size for a belt knife. The blade steel will perform with the best of modern custom knives. And this will look a lot better than a Schrade even with your modern hunting gear. Paul and Steve are first time donors to the CLF fundraising auction this year. They are members of the CLA and proud to support the CLA and its goals. As an occasional knife maker myself, I can say you would do well to remember Paul for your custom knife needs.

Paul Bigham's contact information is:

LPTAbigham@aol.com

618-980-5530

Copy  by by Heinz Ahlers with photos supplied by the CLF.

Paul Bigham

An exceptionally fine smooth rifle. Colerain octagon to round barrel of 44" in 20 gauge with multiple filed flats at transition on wedding band. No choke. Quarter sawn sugar maple with hand done aqua fortis stain. Wide butt plate that yields and excellent shooting gun. No patchbox was utilized due to the striking grain on the butt stock. Check piece with silver inlay and "c" scroll carving. Molded lock plate with classic long beaver tails per the southern mode. Engraving on butt plate, trigger guard, lock plate and breech as well as entry pipe. Hand made rear and front sight. All iron furniture is hand forged and completed. Chambers English lock, that is also engraved. Butt of the gun has molding as well as molding on the forearm. There is a classic "Brown Bess" or English gun swelling at the entry pipe. There is no side lock plate, but engraved sterling silver washers. The hand made hickory ramrod is tapered. This gun was made by Paul Bigham of IL in 2011.

Copy and photos supplied by Craig Perry Gross.

Paul Bigham

Photos supplied by Paul Bigham.

Paul Bigham

Paul made this rifle for his brother-in-law. He used a stock blank from Freddie Harrison, a 46" Getz "A" Weight barrel and a Chambers Golden Age Lock. All the hardware is hand forged as well as the patch box. The stain is nitric acid with boiled oil finish.












Photos by Paul Bigham.