Wednesday, November 30, 2016

David Crisalli Finish of a Richard Newman Rifle

A while back, a fellow by the name of Richard Newman got in contact with me via the Contemporary Makers site asked me if I could finish a little rifle he had started quite some time ago for his daughters.  Time, business, and life had stopped progress and he was looking for someone to finish it for him.  We met in June and I took over the project but warned him that I was in the midst of a large propulsion testing contract and would not be able to dedicate full time to the project.  He told me the rifle had languished for several years, so any progress would be to the good.

Personally, I had also started a matched set of 1/2 scale rifles for my two daughters many, many years ago that I have never finished.  And, in the natural order of things, the girls had not waited on me and are now both grown women.   So, secondarily, I wanted to do this for Richard to make up for my own missed opportunity.

It is always a bit of an issue to take over someone else's project, as you are never quite sure what the original vision was.  Also, half way through a build, there are things that have been done that cannot be undone, without completely starting over, and must just be lived with.  Luckily, Richard had done a great job up to the point he had to stop and turned the work over to me.

The rifle is 3/4 scale, suited for a child but easily handled by an adult.  I was immediately taken with the size and style.   It is a handy little rifle with an octagonal to round .45 caliber barrel.  The lock is a small Queen Ann, which I have used before and like very much.  The rest of the hardware is German silver, which I have never worked with before.  These first photos show the rifle as Richard delivered it to me.

























Copy and photos supplied by David Crisalli.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

“Santa Fe Trail Horn” by Kevin Hart

Title:  The Santa Fe Trail Horn
Inscriptions: Stuart Stevenson, His Horn, Made on the Santa Fe Trail, 1832
Length:  16 inches
Throat:  Engrailed edge followed by a 4inch round throat with a 2 inch applied turned deer antler
Butt Plug:  1 3/4 inch turned Walnut
Tip:  1 inch turned deer antler
Worn:  Right or left side
Carvings:  Santa Fe Trail from Independence Missouri to Santa Fe New Mexico/ Sun Moon & Stars/ Trail scout on horse/ Compass/ Rivers/ Forts/ Trail names & markings/ Towns/ Indian Tribes/ Cliff House/ Churches/ Territory Names/ Mountains/ Horse drawn traders wagon/ Smoking Frog on stump/ Maker’s Cartouche






Copy and photos supplied by Kevin Hart.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Monday, November 21, 2016