Southern Appalachian Pouch by Frank Barker for Arnie Dowd

Here are some pictures of a Southern Appalachian pouch that I recently made for CLA member and friend, Arnie Dowd. Jack Brooks is presently building Arnie a Southern Poor Boy rifle gun in 32 cal. and he wanted a pouch to go along with it. Arnie had an idea of what he wanted and set a time period for this bag in the area of 1800 and 1820. He furnished the knife that was a perfect match for both pouch and gun. Most all of my pouches are from a much earlier time frame, having sewn in gussets and this was only my second attempt at turning out one of a heart shape design, without a gusset. He set the color and even down to the pliability of the leather. He was somewhat undecided on a flap design so I made a few different styles, sent him some photo's and let him pick out the basic shape. The leaf and vine was of his choosing but the flower of the Mountain Dogwood was one of my thoughts. What could be more Southern Applachian than the flower of the beautiful Dogwood trees that fill these wonderful mountains with it's color and fragrance every Spring. With these guide lines in mind this is my interpretation of what I felt Arnie would want. The classic heart shaped bag is 7 1/2 inches wide by 8 1/2 deep and is made to be worn on the left side with the heel bar style iron forged buckle showing to the front. The knife is mounted in such a way that it can be removed and worn on his belt if he should want to do that. There is an inside pocket that is 3 inches deep by 6 and 3/4 inches wide. His banded southern style horn will be worn on a seperate strap.

Copy and photos supplied by Frank Barker.

Appalachian Style Pouch, Horn and Knife by Frank Barker

Appalachia is now and always has been known as the Bible belt. We are very much a part of God’s Kingdom and throughout history man has strivedto be a witness to others in various ways. Whether it be in our actions, words or be it written upon the things we carry, Appalachian people have always wanted to share their faith with others, for where God’s word is, there is Freedom. Biblical scripture has been marked upon the guns they carried and on the horns and pouches, as a reminder of God’s promise to them.

 

This Western Virginia, Southern Appalachia pouch, horn and knife is a testament to those people who have settled and tamed the far western regions of our early nation. In John 15 verse 5, the Lord says that He is the vine and we are the branches and if we abide in Him and He in us, the same brings forth much fruit.

 

This rifle pouch is 8 inches wide and 7 inches deep, it is a classic kidney shape with a “D” shape flap. It has been hand sewn with waxed linen thread and all seams are welted for strength. There is an inside pocket that has been sewn to the inside back and the pouch and pocket openings have been bound with leather binding for ease of access. The flap has been hand carved and tooled with the Scripture, “I Am the Vine” which is inside a heart, vine and leaf pattern. It is stained a dark, burgundy brown and is trimmed in black. The strap is 1 inch wide and is fully adjustable with a forged buckle.

 

The period horn is about 10 inches along the bottom curve and is styled in the Appalachian fashion. The walnut plug is secured with wooden pegs and has a twisted staple installed for the horn strap. It has been carved by Ohio rifle smith Karl Fisher with the scripture, “Ye are the Branch”, and has a leaf and vine pattern which matches the pouch motif.

 

The knife has an overall length of about 10 inches with an antler handle. The 5 and ¾ inch blade is from an old butcher knife that has been sharpened on the edge of an iron skillet for a great number of years and is attached to the back of the pouch but can also be removed and worn on a belt.

Photos by Carolyn Barker with copy by Frank Barker.

2012 CLA Live Auction: A War of 1812 Militiamans Cartridge Box by Frank Barker

In 1812, America’s standing army numbered less than 12,000 men. Because of this, President Madison called upon local and state militia units to carry the day. They were simply asked to invade and capture Canada, which would quickly force the British into negotiations or even surrender. Things didn’t prove quite so easy, but Madison was correct in assuming that a large burden of the fighting would indeed fall upon local and state militia units.

In the meantime, Congress quickly authorized an increase to the ranks of the army, and by the wars end our American regulars numbered around 40,000 martialed federal troops. Even so, volunteer militia units sent more than ten times that number to the field. Some of these militia units were quite clear that they would only serve where and when they pleased, and then only under locally recognized officers, while other units deployed from New Orleans to Canada to serve where ever the fighting was expected to be the hottest.

As varied and unique as a militia unit's individual term of service could be, their equipment could also vary from unit to unit and region to region, though some units would obviously try to standardize the gear used by their members. Uniforms, muskets, side arms, bayonets, and cartridge boxes were all items that were commonly standardized, and this handmade cartridge box by Frank Barker represents just such a piece.

We asked Frank about the cartridge box he was making for the 2012 CLA live auction, and here is what he told us. “My CLA auction project is a civilian/militia 1812 era Cartridge Box. From what research I have done, it seems that although the Federal government was making an attempt to issue new standardized equipment, state militias were still carrying the older style cartridge boxes , some that may have been held over from the Revolutionary War. My cartridge box would have been an old stock surplus piece, or possibly even an heirloom from that earlier revolutionary war period, one that a volunteer militiaman would have brought with him when he signed on to fight for this noble cause.”

Frank is technically retired now, but he stays busier than ever creating hunting bags, rifle pouches, and other leather accoutrements. His wife and best friend, Carolyn also makes inkle woven sashes, pouch and powder horn straps. Their handmade items are definitely known to be of the highest quality, and this cartridge box is no exception.

For more information about the auction or CLA membership please visit: Longrifle.

Copy and photos by T.C. Albert.

Frank Barker Bag for Mark Sperry

This early Virginia style rifle pouch was made for Mark Sperry, the Williamsburg Blacksmith. It is made of 4-5 oz vegetable tanned leather and hand stitched with waxed linen thread. The seams are all welted for strength. The shoulder strap is 1 1/2" wide and is fully adjustable with a forged iron buckle to about 61" in length. It is tooled in a diamond pattern and the flap, pouch opening and the inside pocket is bound with black deer skin that shows a pinked edge. The color is a very deep brown and has been shadowed dyed to give it that rich antiqued look.

Photos supplied by Frank Barker.

Frank Barker Bag

Frank refers to this bag as his Williamsburg style. This bag is 7 3/4" wide by 7 1/2: high, with a 1" adjustable strap, having a brass buckle. Horn straps are attached with small brass buckles and it has a 2" gusset. It is welted and sewn with waxed linen thread. The flap is tooled with the date 1776 inside an oval, surrounded with a vine motif.

Photos by Jan Riser.