2017 CLF Auction Item: Hunting Pouch, Horn, and Knife Set by Jeff Luke, Joe-D Baxter, and Jonah Cain

 

In the modern world, making and using tools from natural materials is a refreshing way to connect to reality. For this year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction, a trio of artists has teamed up to create a hunting rig that evokes straightforward craftsmanship and rugged performance.

The set is built around a hunting bag by Jeff Luke, a longtime auction supporter. Luke explains that the set is intended to “represent a typical backwoods hunting rig from the mountains of Tennessee in the early years of the 1800's.” The pouch is made from vegetable tanned calf hide, hand stitched with linen thread, distressed, and then dyed to a deep brown hue. The front flap of the pouch was made from the raw edge of a leg portion of the hide. The front panel binding and welt were hand fringed to give a rustic "backwoods" look. The leather strap is adjustable by means of a forged iron buckle by John Rader. 

The set includes a razor-sharp patch knife by Jonah Cain. Forged from an antique hay rake tine, the blade is affixed to a whitetail antler handle; the silver pommel is peened to secure it in place. The knife rests in a primitive bark-tanned deer hide sheath which is sewn to the pouch’s strap. 

This set includes a simple yet elegant horn by Joe-D Baxter. This horn features an elegantly tuned spout, a turned cherry base plug, and a cherry stopper. The horn is always ready for use, and hangs from leather wings attached to the pouch strap.   

For more information on the work of the artists, contact:

Jeff Luke: poboygear@gmail.com

Jonah Cain: jonahcain501@gmail.com

Joe-D Baxter: jdbaxter87@gmail.com

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/

2018 CLA Live Auction: Powder Flask by Joe-D Baxter and Mike Miller

Priming horns can be a topic of some discussion about their presumed use or non-use on the American frontier. Nevertheless priming flasks did exist in Europe and Asia and are found in museum collections for 16th to 18th century arms.  Sometimes called “Pulvers” from the German word for ground or powdered, these small flasks seem to have been used with matchlocks, wheellocks and cannon.  Have you ever thought about what a paper cartridge equipped musketeer did when his firelock flashed in the pan? The muzzleloading rebirth in the United Sates was in full swing by 1936, within a century of actual flintlock use on the frontier.  Those shooters at the NMLRA back then used priming horns. 

Joe-D Baxter and Mike Miller have teamed to create an outstanding powder flask for the 2018 auction.  Measuring almost 3 inches in diameter, this flask is fabricated of horn, walnut and coin silver. The engraving on the horn and coin silver plate are in the 18th century style with a vining floral theme.  

This flask shows superior workmanship and fitting throughout.  With its great style this flask could be used as a priming horn or a day horn for squirrel hunting or just put on display on a shelf.  This is a special item that will be a prize for any contemporary longrifle collection.

Or more information on the artists and their products contact

Joe-D Baxter jdbaxter87@gmail.com

Mike Miller riflemaker@aol.com

Information on the 2018 CLA Auction, absentee bidding and CLA membership can be found at http://www.contemporarylongriflefoundation.org

Text by H Ahlers and photos by H Ahlers.