top three measures by Jeff
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Strikers and Boxes by Brandon Cogburn
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
2020 CLA Live Auction: "HEART OF THE HEARTH" ORIGINAL PAINTING by Maria Freed
Examples of traditional fine art appear at the annual CLF fundraising auction only occasionally. For this year’s event, artist Maria Freed has contributed a lovely original painting for the benefit of the Contemporary Longrifle Association.
Freed’s original painting, Heart of the Hearth, pays homage to the traditional center of family life. “Unfocus for a moment,” explains the artist, “and you can notice the heart shape formed by the pattern of light within the painting. The heart of the home has long been known as the kitchen, with women being the traditional tenders of the hearth. The true heart of the hearth is the very woman who shines her own light and tends the fires of home and family. Without the heart, there is no warmth.”
Based on a reference photo by Ken Giorlando, the painting is executed in watercolors, a transparent medium that offers little room for mistakes. But after applying about a dozen layers of paint, Freed succeeded in producing a delightful work of art that successfully captures the warmth of home. The creative process, she observes, was “So hard to commit to, but once I got rolling, nothing could stop me.”
Painted with professional grade watercolors on 100% cotton rag paper, this work of art is protected by UV-blocking plexiglass glazing and surrounded by an acid-free archival mat. Measuring 11” x 15”, this exceptional painting comes framed and ready to hang, ensuring the Heart of the Hearth will become a treasured family heirloom for generations to come.
For more information on the work of Maria Freed, contact the artist directly at:
Copy by Joshua Shepherd
Photography by H. David Wright
To see all the Artists' contributions to the 2020 CLF Live Fund Raising Auction, visit our website at http://www.contemporarylongriflefoundation.org/2020-live-auction/
Monday, June 22, 2020
Friday, June 19, 2020
Conner Prairie October 3-9, 2020
OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2020
Conner Prairie's hands-on classes provide a rare opportunity to work closely with some of the nation's best craftsmen. Small class sizes in well-equipped facilities allow you to develop skills from a basic level to advanced. Register today as classes fill quickly. All materials are included in the class price. Tools are provided, unless otherwise noted.
New! Leather Accoutrements.
Learn a variety of basic leatherworking skills with noted leatherworker Ken Scott. The class will have opportunity to work on multiple projects for use with black powder firearms as well as a personal accoutrement or two, such as a leather loading block, shot snake, ball bag, a flint wallet or personal wallet.
$135/$130 members (tools/materials required)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 | 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Hearth Cooking.
Learn to prepare a traditional meal over an open fire. Enjoy the smell of wood smoke as hearth cooking expert Sarah Withrow shares her knowledge. Learn to blend traditional techniques with historic and contemporary recipes that are perfect for home entertaining, historic re-enacting or camping.
$85/$80 members
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 | 8 AM - 3 PM
New! Folding Knife.
A hand made folding knife is a joy to use and something you can carry with pride. Bladesmith Brian Barker teaches how to create a historically appropriate knife. Starting with quality steel, brass and horn, students will spend time at the bench learning how to file, fit, harden and temper a practical knife that will serve well in daily use.
$295/$285 members (tools required)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 1 P.M. - 5 P.M.
THURSDAY - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 - 9 | 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Basic Blacksmithing.
Join Nathan Allen as you learn the basics of blacksmithing including drawing, punching, hardening, tempering steel and forge welding. You'll make projects such as chain links, s-hooks, a fireplace poker, pliers and a fork.
$260/$250 member
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 1 P.M. - 5 P.M.
THURSDAY -FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 - 9 | 8 AM - 5 PM
Stock Carving & Silver Wire Inlay.
Master gunsmith John Schippers will help you learn the basics of two fundamental techniques of decorating long rifles, tomahawks and knives: relief carving and silver wire inlay. Utilizing practice pieces, you will learn how to design and execute decorative motifs, and make your own tools and keep them sharp. You'll also pick up other tips and techniques from John that he has mastered over his 50 year career as a gunsmith.
$265/$255 member (tools/materials required)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 1 P.M. - 5 P.M.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 - 9 | 8 AM - 5 PM
Advanced Hornworking: Screw Tip Powder Horn.
Work alongside master hornsmith Art DeCamp to make a screw tip horn. Students will be able to select a horn style that suits their personal taste and experience level. Basic hornworking techniques such as heating, pressing, lathe work, finishing
and coloring of horn will be covered. Returning students are encouraged to bring unfinished horn projects to class for assistance in finishing.
$585/$565 member (tools required)
SATURDAY - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 - 6 | 8 AM - 5 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 8 AM - 12 PM
Forging Damascus Steel.
Let the sparks fly as you learn to make Damascus steel. Blacksmith Nathan Allen will teach the fundamentals of making pattern welded steel from proper steel selection to basic pattern development. Traditional coal forges, anvil, and both hand- and power-hammer forging techniques will be used to make a billet of Damascus steel. The goal of the class is to get the billet forged and make at least one forged knife blank. If you are interested in completing a knife, you'll also want to sign up for the knifesmithing class.
$260/$250 member (tools required)
SATURDAY - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3 - 4 | 8 AM - 5 PM
NEW! Advanced Leatherworking.
Take your pouchmaking to the next level as Ken Scott teaches you advanced techniques in making hunting bags and pouches. You'll learn how to create rolled bindings, pocket gussets, ways to attach aprons, appliques and cutouts. This workshop is intended as a next step for those who have taken his basic pouch workshop.
$315/$305 member (tools required)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
THURSDAY - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 - 9 | 8 AM - 12 PM
Leatherworking.
Join Ken Scott as he teaches you his unique style of making hunting bags and pouches. Through pattern development, cutting, stitching, finishing, and basic leatherworking techniques, you'll create a one of a kind hunting pouch. You'll also learn Ken's unique antiquing methods.
$315/$305 member (tools required)
MONDAY - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5 - 6 | 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 8 AM - 12 PM
Engraving.
Master engraver and author of Engraving Historic Firearms, John Schippers, teaches you the art of metal engraving. Using practice pieces, you'll learn basic design,
tool selection and sharpening techniques. Also, you'll have the opportunity at the bench to practice and receive critique on the techniques learned in class.
$525/$515 member (tools required)
SATURDAY - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 - 6 | 8 AM - 5 PM
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 8 A.M. - 12 P.M.
Axe Forging.
Explore traditional forging techniques with blacksmith Nathan Allen. Examine stylistic differences and construction techniques used on historic axes, and then forge and finish a traditional tomahawk and "Fort Meigs" style hatchet.
$280/$270 member
MONDAY - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5 - 6 | 8 AM - 5 PM
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 8 A.M. - 12 P.M
NEW! Basic Hornwork and Decorative Techniques.
Beginning or advanced hornsmiths will find value in this class. Master Hornsmith Art DeCamp will show you the tricks to design, layout and execute beautiful scrimshaw work. In addition, methods to apply decorative techniques such as lead oxide and polychrome will be covered. Or, students may opt
to construct their own basic powder horn during the class and work on scrimshawing that horn. Each student will be provided a special engraving knife and related materials as part of the class.
$295/$285 member (tools required)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 1PM - 5 PM
THURSDAY - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 - 9 | 8 AM - 5 PM
Knifesmithing.
Under the guidance of Dwight Gallian, you'll learn about the history and creation of a traditional hand- forged knife. Topics include proper steel selection, use of a coal forge and anvil, filing, and finishing a handle. You can expect to complete at least one knife during class.
$280/$270 member (tools required)
MONDAY - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5 - 6 | 8 AM - 5 PM
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 8 A.M. - 12 P.M.
Evening Cook-Out and Benefit Auction
Join new and old friends at our Wednesday evening cookout for good food and better conversations. This is also a chance to be able to purchase items made by Conner Prairie's craftsmen and workshop instructors. All proceeds go to support Conner Prairie's educational mission
(meal price is $20/person).
$20
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 6 PM
BECOME A CONNER PRAIRIE MEMBER and receive discounts on your class fees!
*PLEASE NOTE: Membership must be valid during workshop dates to receive discount.
CANCELLATIONS/QUESTIONS
To cancel your registration and receive a refund, please notify Conner Prairie at least three weeks prior to your workshop start date. You will receive a refund minus a $30 administrative fee per registrant. No refunds will be given for cancellations without three weeks notice. Conner Prairie reserves the right to cancel any session. In the event of a cancellation by Conner Prairie, you will receive a full refund. Questions? Call Guest Services at 317.776.6000 or 800.966.1836.
CONNER PRAIRIE
TRADITIONAL ARTS & ARMS MAKING WORKSHOP
13400 ALLISONVILLE ROAD
FISHERS, IN 46038
TRADITIONAL ARTS & ARMS MAKING WORKSHOP
13400 ALLISONVILLE ROAD
FISHERS, IN 46038
SIGN UP FOR CLASSES TODAY! Mail this registration form or visit connerprairie.org
Thursday, June 18, 2020
2020 CLA Live Auction: 18TH CENTURY FOLDING KNIFE By Scott Summerville
Length: Open 9” Closed 5”
Whether you’re headed to the backcountry for an 18th century trek or bound for a desk job in the big city, a reliable pocket knife is a gentleman’s necessity. Perennial auction supporter Scott Summerville has once again generously donated a top-quality reproduction folding knife for this year’s CLF fundraising auction.
Summerville explains that this knife is based on an original piece from his collection which was found in upper Michigan near the colonial fur trade routes along Lake Huron. Summerville’s knife is copied closely from the original, and is a French design from the mid-eighteenth century which features a spear point blade typical of the era. Since the original knife handle was incomplete and the material is not known, Summerville chose richly aged sheep horn for the scales of his reproduction.
Collectors can do no better than this exquisite blade by Scott Summerville, who is one of the nation’s top authorities on 18th century folding knives. A veteran bladesmith, Summerville has been crafting knives since 1993 for collectors and public institutions across the nation, including Colonial Williamsburg. An expert in the technical aspects of his craft, Summerville nonetheless stays true to the classic designs of early America. “My drive”, he says, “is to produce historically accurate knives in construction and appearance.”
For more information on the work of artist Scott Summerville, contact the artist directly at summerville1757@yahoo.com
To see all the Artists' contributions to the 2020 CLF Live Fund Raising Auction, visit our website at http://www.contemporarylongriflefoundation.org/2020-live-auction/
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Jacob Kunz Rifle by Art DeCamp
For a long time, it has been a goal of mine to make a Jacob Kunz style rifle with some of my own combinations of carving and detail. I was able to examine, trace and measure an original owned by a friend and one in my collection. Ideas from these two rifles were used on this new Jacob Kunz style rifle that I recently completed. Since there are no accurate Kunz butt or trigger guard castings available, I hammered out a butt plate pattern from another casting and added a little JB Weld for shape. Next, I worked up an accurate trigger guard pattern from one developed by Mark Wheland and then modified it to match Kunz original parts. I sent these off as patterns to be sand cast to my specifications. Then using a very light "A" weight .45 caliber swamped Getz barrel I started on the actual rifle, using a stock pattern taken from one of the originals.
This rifle has mother-of-pearl inlays in the sterling silver cheek piece, black horn inlays in the patch box piercings, a horn inlay for the patch box release button, the Lehigh Indian is inlaid in sterling in front of the trigger guard. The escutcheon plates for the barrel keys are sterling and the barrel keys are captured. The lock is an L& R with roller frizzen and waterproof pan. I am proud to say the lock internals were made by the legendary Bob Roller. The wrist of the rifle has "basket-weave" checkering, the relief carving behind the cheek piece is a pattern from another Kunz rifle, and the incised carving behind the rear entry pipe is also Kunz pattern. The piercing in the side plate is filled with a natural white material that was taken off an old piano key. (Can't say what it really is, but you all will know if you think about it. Haha). The rifle shoots very well!
Copy and photos supplied by Art DeCamp.
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775, during the Siege of Boston in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. The battle is named after Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts, which was peripherally involved in the battle. It was the original objective of both the colonial and British troops, though the majority of combat took place on the adjacent hill which later became known as Breed's Hill.
On June 13, 1775, the leaders of the colonial forces besieging Boston learned that the British were planning to send troops out from the city to fortify the unoccupied hills surrounding the city, which would give them control of Boston Harbor. In response, 1,200 colonial troops under the command of William Prescott stealthily occupied Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill. During the night, the colonists constructed a strong redoubt on Breed's Hill, as well as smaller fortified lines across the Charlestown Peninsula.
By daybreak of June 17, the British became aware of the presence of colonial forces on the Peninsula and mounted an attack against them that day. Two assaults on the colonial positions were repulsed with significant British casualties; the third and final attack carried the redoubt after the defenders ran out of ammunition. The colonists retreated to Cambridge over Bunker Hill, leaving the British in control of the Peninsula.
The battle was a tactical, though somewhat Pyrrhic victory for the British, as it proved to be a sobering experience for them, involving many more casualties than the Americans had incurred, including many officers. The battle had demonstrated that inexperienced militia were able to stand up to regular army troops in battle. Subsequently, the battle discouraged the British from any further frontal attacks against well defended front lines. American casualties were comparatively much fewer, although their losses included General Joseph Warren and Major Andrew McClary , the final casualty of the battle.
The battle led the British to adopt a more cautious planning and maneuver execution in future engagements, which was evident in the subsequent New York and New Jersey campaign, and arguably helped rather than hindered the American forces. Their new approach to battle was actually giving the Americans greater opportunity to retreat if defeat was imminent. The costly engagement also convinced the British of the need to hire substantial numbers of Hessian auxiliaries to bolster their strength in the face of the new and formidable Continental Army.
Copy and Photos from here.
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Louie Parker Pistol After Nicholas Hawk
I have always admired the work of Nicholas Hawk.... So I decided to make a pistol similar to the one that was once owned by Carl Pippert. I was unable to locate photos of the top and bottom views of this pistol.. So a real copy was not possible,, But I tried to keep all the parts I made like those on his long guns. Trigger guard and lock bolt plate I copied from his rifle..The brass barrel inlay from his swivel breech rifle. I made everything but the lock and it is old. The barrel is 10 inches long.
Monday, June 15, 2020
Recent Project by Brian Anderson
An early 17th century cheekstock long barreled hunting rifle - this style was popular in northern Europe in the late 16th and through the 17th century and into the 18th. They were made with matchlock, wheellock, and an assortment of snaphance and flint locks. My lock is inspired by one of the earlier flintlocks.
Copy and photos supplied by Brian Anderson.
Friday, June 12, 2020
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