The Trans-Applachian longrifle has often been
neglected as an American art form. Although the the frontier folk moving west
after the Revolutionary War were a practical and plain folk who esteemed
performance over prettiness they did not object to tools that combined both.
The rifles of Thomas Simpson, Jacob Young and John Small made in the Ohio and
Mississippi watersheds are as fine and elegant as any American rifles. The
western frontier also exhibited a preference for iron furniture and simple
architecture as exhibited in the Lexington Kentucky school and the work of
Pleasant Wilson. This work continues today rifles of the House brothers. The
House brothers have generously shared there talents and ideas resulting in the
Woodbury school gunsmiths.
Mike Davis, of Coldwater Mississippi, is firmly in
the Woodbury School. Mike refers to this rifle as "iron, Young, House,
Davis rifle. lol" I think he hit the nail on the head.
Using a 42 inch .40 caliber Colerain barrel, a
Chambers Ketland lock, and Mike Davis triggers, set in curly maple, Mike has
recreated the late early 19th century Kentucky squirrel rifle with great lines
and incredible style. Architecturally similar to the Bryan Lexington school
rifles, with more of a Jacob Young style box, this rifle shows what Mike refers
to as a true squirrel rifle lineage. The iron furniture is handforged and the
silver accents are from coin silver: all by Mike Davis
Gary Tingler has donated a bag to compliment the
rifle. Historically accurate for the approximately 1812 to 1830 style of the
rifle, Gary constructed this bag from 6 oz Elk leather.
The bag hand stitched with 100% beeswaxed linen
thread, edged in deer leather. the bag measures 6" at the opening and is 6
1/2 " deep and 8 1/4" at the bottom widest point. it has a solid
brass buckle with a cotton woven strap and leather tongue for adjustments. it
has a brass button on main flap and a copper button on the flap of the hidden
pocket flap.
Be sure to take a look at Mike Davis' website at http://davislongrifle.weebly.com/, or he
can be contacted by email at sixshooteromc@gmail.com.
Gary Tingler can be contacted by email at treeingwalkers@hotmail.com.
Copy by Heinz Ahlers with photos supplied by CLF.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.