CLF Auction Artist of the Day: Simeon England, Mike Miller and Kyle Willyard

 

2020 CLA Live Auction: PIPE TOMAHAWK By Simeon England, Mike Miller, and Kyle Willyard

Length 21 1/2" Head 5 1/2" tall.

The name tomahawk is a combination of tribal and English words. Algonnquin and Renapepeoples called their lightweight axes "tamahak," "tamahakan" European Americans pronounced these words as "tomahawk." They liked the size and weight of the original tool, but made their own adaptation by replacing the stone heads with iron heads having steel blades. Tribes who had never seen a tool with a wooden handle and metal head called it a tomahawk, adopting the European American's term.

In the early 1700s, Native Americans or European Americans adapted the original tomahawk into a new form known as the pipe tomahawk. The original tomahawk is an Indian tool with a wooden handle and a metal blade. What differentiates a regular tomahawk from a pipe tomahawk is its head, which consists of a cutting edge on one side and a pipe bowl on the other. Pipe tomahawks could be used for smoking and chopping when necessary, but they usually were more symbolic than practical.

Pipe tomahawks also are a mix of Old World and New World products. The majority of these tools were made in North America. Their handles are of native woods and their axe blades were metal. Blades were usually iron with a steel cutting edge or, if not intended for cutting, they were made of brass. Some of the heads and handles were decorated with silver, pewter, lead, brass, and copper inlays.

European Americans traded pipe tomahawks with native peoples during the fur trade era, from about 1650 to 1870. European Americans also presented pipe tomahawks as gifts in diplomatic agreements and treaty signings with tribes. Joseph Brandt was painted with one in his 1776portrait by George Romney; Tecumseh had one presented to him by Colonel Proctor. Lewis and Clark took 50 pipe tomahawks with them on their 1803-1806 expedition to trade or present as gifts.

When three noted CLA blade artisans get together on a project, it is certain something special will result. This year Simeon England, Mike Miller and Kyle Willyard have produced an outstanding pipe tomahawk. Historically correct in its features and embellishment, this is a significant display of exceptional work of these three talented artists.

As you can see from the photos, this pipe tomahawk is created with the correct architecture and materials. The knife inlay on the right side of the blade on the hand forged head is historically correct, appearing on an original pipe tomahawk attributed to John Small of  Vincennes. Sterling silver has been used for the haft cap, mouthpiece and inlay and the engraving is ‘top drawer’. The haft is a fancy piece of curly maple and features a flange for a wrist strap. Look closely at the attention to detail, including the engraved silver mouthpiece and the carved wood clean-out plug.

The CLF Live Fund Raising Auction has a history of offering fine presentation pipe tomahawks, but they do not come up every year. This is one of that select group and this year is your chance to own one.

Simeon England: <simeonengland@gmail.com>

Mike Miller <riflemaker@aol.com>

http://www.millerlongrifles.com

Kyle Willyard (Old Dominion Forge) <kwillyard@earthlink.net>

http://www.olddominionforge.com

Pistol by Mike Miller

Photographed at the 2015 CLA Show by Jan Riser.

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.

Knife and Fork Set by Kyle Willard, Wick Ellerbe and Mike Miller

I recently had the pleasure to put together a very special project, combing the talents of three artisans; each bringing their specialized skills to the finished set.   I was commissioned to make a very special knife and fork set with the only specification being the handles should be crowned antler.   As such, I designed this as somewhat of a contemporary set, though I still wanted it to have the look and feel of 18th century table cutlery.  The blades were closely copied from original knives and forks dating to the second half of the 18th century.  A matched set of antler was selected for the perfect size and shape.  Sterling silver was used for ferrules and butt caps.  Once the cutlery was finished, it was sent to Mike Miller, who engraved the customers monogram on the caps.  Wick Ellerbe was then asked to design and construct a leather traveling case that would both protect and compliment the cutlery.  He wet-formed the case, insuring a snug and secure fit.  Wick’s design for the case mirrored the cutlery by incorporating an engraved disc, repeating the customers monogram.  The end result was a unique and personalized set of tableware that is all the more special for the multiple hands involved.

Copy and photos supplied by Kyle Willyard.

Mike Miller Virginia Rifle

Cherry stocked, brass mounted Virginia rifle. This rifle is appropriate to the 1770 time period. 

Copy and photos supplied by Mike Miller.

Mike Miller

1760's Christian's Spring style rifle with a 44" D weight .62 caliber barrel a Chambers Early Germanic lock, a premium curly maple stock and all hand made mounts. 

Copy and photos supplied by Mike Miller.