The skilled craftsmen of the CLA often produce fine frontier art that can easily be mistaken for a centuries-old original. For this year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction, artists Casey McClure and Bill Pritchard have teamed up to produce a rugged hunting rig that looks like it’s seen heavy use on the 18th century frontier.
This set is built around Pritchard’s D-shaped hunting bag, which is crafted from bark-tanned deerskin. This workingman’s bag, measuring 7 by 8 inches, is entirely hand-sewn with linen thread. The strap features an adjustable iron buckle, and the back of the bag sports an integral sheath for McClure’s hand-forged knife. The bag is also accompanied with a Pritchard powder horn; measuring one foot in length, this horn is simple, straightforward, and ready for the field.
The set is accompanied by a knife crafted by bladesmith Casey McClure. McClure’s knife, measuring 8 ¾ inches long, is an iconic frontier blade. Hand forged from 1084 steel, the knife is fitted to a whitetail antler crown handle and sports a poured pewter bolster.
This set is a fine example of the collaborative art often produced by CLA members. McClure, a self-taught but experienced blacksmith, became acquainted with Pritchard when the two craftsmen displayed their wares adjacent to each other at the annual show. The pair have enjoyed a friendship and occasional creative partnership since then. “I've made several knives for the bags that he has done,” says McClure, “Bill is known as a top rate gun builder, but he also makes a fine bag and horn!”
For more information on the work of the artists, contact:
Casey McClure: jcmcclure@aol.com or 606-308-4570
Bill Pritchard: 606-407-2713
Text by Joshua Shepherd
Photography by David Wright
To see all the artists’ postings for the 2022 CLF Fundraising Auction go to:
http://www.contemporarylongriflefoundation.org/2022-fundraising-auction/
