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Hunting Shirt by Mary Brandenburg

In the summer of 1775, George Washington was desperate to properly uniform the nascent Continental Army then forming around Boston. During the first week of August, Washington requested Connecticut authorities to begin producing inexpensive clothing for his men and sent along a sample of frontier clothing for them to use as a pattern. It was an “Indian or Hunting Shirt” with “a cape ruffled.” Washington explained that “It is designed as a Species of Uniform both cheap & convenient.” This...

Housewife Sewing Kit by Rebecca (Beckie) Mooneyhan

In the 18th and 19th centuries, any man unlucky enough to need clothing mended while away from home desperately needed the assistance of a “housewife”, or as they’re prosaically known a “huswif.” Whether in the barracks or in the field, soldiers and frontiersmen could tackle the job of repairing their clothing or uniform with a tidy, portable sewing kit known as a housewife. The term goes back to at least the middle of the 18th century, but this year’s CLF...

Powder Horn and Strap by Henry and Dianna Bowman

The powder-horn is based upon the professionally made 4th generation York County, Pennsylvania powder-horns of the very early 1800s. The characteristics found on this horn and common to 4th generation York’s horns, include concentric grooves at butt and spout, fruit wood butt (cherry in this horn) with rope carving and Greek key carving, and a removable turned horn screw tip (this one has the "beehive" style) that can be used as a filling funnel. The incised engravings include truncated text...

Bag and Powder Horn by Bill Pritchard and Knife by Casey McClure

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...

Alligator-Themed Knife by Verlin Cossel

Bladesmith Verlin Cossel, a perennial supporter of the CLF Live Fundraising Auction, is renowned for creating entirely unique knives that come accompanied with a custom display stand. His creation for this year’s auction is a one-of-a-kind work of art with a remarkable back story. Featuring an alligator theme, Cossel’s knife, measuring 13 inches overall with an 8-inch-long-blade, is a robust edged weapon worthy of the southern frontier. Cossel’s stunning frontier blade was forged from 1095 steel; a full tang is...

Fringed Hunting Bag by Shelly Gier and Hand-Woven Strap by Kerry Masarik

For your next trip to the range or the woods, artists Shelly Gier and Kerry Masarik have teamed up to create a well-made and historically appropriate hunting bag that’s been donated to this year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction. Gier describes her hunting bag as inspired by early 19th century styling “with a bit of working-class western influence.” The body of the bag is made from vegetable tanned cowhide which is lined with goat leather. The bag features an exterior gusseted...

Mid-Eighteenth-Century Folding Knife by Scott Summerville

In early America, the humble pocketknife could be found from the drawing rooms of Tidewater estates to the farthest reaches of the frontier. George Washington is known to have owned a number of folding knives, and famed explorer Meriwether Lewis famously carried a pen knife all the way the Pacific Ocean and back. For the 2022 CLF Live Fundraising Auction, perennial auction supporter Scott Summerville has donated another stellar example of a colonial folding knife which is sure to garner...

Pennsylvania Rifle by Larry Gardner

Few weapons from American history exude beauty and mystique quite like the Pennsylvania rifle. This year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction is pleased to offer an exquisite example of the Pennsylvania rifle by one of the most respected makers in the nation, Larry Gardner. This classic Pennsylvania rifle sports a .45 caliber, 36-inch-long barrel paired with a strikingly figured maple stock. The stock carries tasteful and crisp carving and is fitted with gleaming brass furniture. Gardner has long been regarded a...

Quilled Hat Band by Djuana Tucker

During the 18th and 19th centuries, no self-respecting gentleman, or scoundrel for that matter, would consider venturing into public without a hat. For the modern-day frontiersman headed for the range, the rendezvous, or the woods, that hasn’t changed. For those hoping to set their headgear apart from the crowd, CLA artist Djuana Tucker has donated a unique quill-wrapped rawhide hatband to this year’s fundraising auction. Typical of Tucker’s work, the piece is constructed with historically appropriate materials. The artist relied...

Micmac Powder Horn by Kathy England and Quilled Strap by Christie Suchora

Engraved powder horns are perennial favorites of black powder devotees, and this year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction is pleased to offer a stellar example by artists Kathy England and Christie Suchora. England’s powder horn will be an excellent addition to any collection. The horn is adorned with intricate geometric and floral designs characteristic of the Micmac tribe of the northeast woodlands. England found her inspiration for this piece from an original horn found in the book The Engraved Powder Horn...

Bag, Horn and Knife Set by Bill Schneider

Bill Schneider’s bag is called the Bear Hunter. It is intended to be a back country style bag used by a hunter. It is made out of bark tanned swamp-buck. It is unique backwoods take on a double pouch that the hunter decided to add a storm flap of bear hide. It is sewn on with brain-tan deer. It has a knife that the sheath lost its loop in service and was cased in brain-tan leather and added to...

Haversack by Sarah Miller

Whether you’re a shooter, hunter, or collector, a sturdy bag to match your muzzleloader is a necessity. This year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction will offer a unique and well-made bag by Pennsylvania artist Sarah Miller. Miller’s ideally-sized haversack or “gathering bag” measures approximately 13” x 14”. Made from vegetable tanned cowhide and heavy pillow ticking, this robust and eye-catching bag will easily stand up to the rigors of the field or the range. Sporting hand-sewn leather and fitted with brass...

Bearded Bag by Jay Blain and Pennsylvania Horn by Pete Hutton

Every black powder shooter needs a functional bag and horn, but eventually we’d all like to upgrade to a quality set. This year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction will feature a stellar set by artists Jay Blain and Pete Hutton that will fit the bill. Blain’s bearded bag is a classic southern design which, he explains, “was inspired by my time in the foothills of North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains.” Blain’s recreation is based on the famous McGlamery Bag from Rutherford County,...

Hunting Bag by Denise Cossel

This year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction features a remarkable myriad of art from the talented ladies of the organization. Artist Denise Cossel’s leather hunting bag is testament to the fact that CLA craftspeople are adept at excelling in multiple artistic disciplines. Cossel’s regular craft is weaving, but her donation to this year’s auction rivals the work of any experienced leatherworker. Cossel’s roomy and well-made bag is crafted from hard-wearing, oil-tanned cowhide. The bag is entirely hand-stitched with linen thread, and...

Dagger by Daniel & Chelsey Casey

Custom knives always garner a good bit of interest at the CLF Fundraising Auction, and for this year’s event, artist Daniel Casey has donated a simply spectacular dagger. This hand forged dagger was made from braided steel cable and 1084 spring steel, which Casey put through the laborious process of melding into multi-layered Damascus steel. Measuring in with a 5 ½” long blade, this knife sports the contrasting color and texture only achieved with Damascus. The spiral carved handle, 4...

Neck Knife by Elizabeth Ashlee and Quilled Sheath by Linda Pritchard

Few frontier collector items carry quite the visual appeal of a traditional tribal neck knife and quilled sheath. This year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction will fortunately offer a stunning example by artists Elizabeth Ashlee and Linda Pritchard. Ashlee’s knife, measuring 6 1/2 inches long, is hand forged from a vintage hay rake tine. It’s a strong but graceful blade paired with an antler handle. Fitted with a poured pewter bolster and coin silver end cap, this is a fine collector’s-grade...

Hawken Rifle by Bob Browner

Custom muzzleloading rifles always command a good bit of attention at the CLF Live Fundraising Auction, but this year’s event will afford bidders a rare opportunity. Missouri artist Bob Browner has donated one of his signature rifles, which is the first Hawken ever presented during the live auction. Browner is widely regarded as one of the best Hawken makers working today, and this rifle puts his considerable skills on full display. The piece exhibits stylistic features from two original J...

Frontiersman’s Kit by William Schneider

William Schneider’s “Frontiersman’s Kit”, which is copied from an artifact formerly in the collection of the Fort Pitt Museum, is a distinctive representative of frontier history. Schneider explains that “it was removed from exhibition when the fort management changed directions. Later it was found to have actually been a homespun shoulder holster for a Colt Patterson. It has since been re-homed and appropriately marked.”   Schneider’s unique version of reproduction leatherwork is made from an alum- and bark- tanned deer hide...

Tansel-Style Engraved Beaker by Henry Bowman

For this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction, artist Henry Bowman has donated an excellent example of classic Americana inspired by the legendary craftsmen of the Tansel family. Bowman notes that Timothy Tansel is best known for his beakers of this size, while the engraving is patterned after the powder horn engraving of John Tansel. Featured on the beaker is an engraved Federal eagle bearing a banner commemorating the CLA's 25th Anniversary. A woodsman bearing a flintlock rifle is engraved on the...

Missouri Commemorative Horn and Hearts Bag by Jeff Bottiger and Matthew Fennewald

Horn by Jeff Bottiger of Excelsior Springs, MO and Bag w/Measure, Brush, and Pick, by Matthew Fennewald of Clarksburg, MO.The Hearts Bag by Matthew Fennewald, is a simple but functional bag that started out as bark-tanned deerhide.  The bag is hand-stitched with linen thread, decorated with hearts stamped with a stamp handmade by Jeff Bottiger.  The button is cow-horn.  The bag is stitched with linen thread, unlined, with one inside pocket. Its size is approximately 8” wide by 9” deep.  This is a simple, highly...

Hand forged Small Axe by Mel Hankla

This finely crafted hand forged wrought iron tomahawk is from the workshop of Mel Hankla. This is a nice sized little axe; the head is 4 3/4 inches by 2 1/2 inches with a neat hammer poll. The attention to authenticity is remarkable.The body of the axe is wrought iron. The cutting edge is forged of a high carbon steel tine from an old horse drawn hay rake.  The same tine material was also used to face the hammer...

Original Watercolor by Angela Jones McMullen

Classic American folk art never fails to brighten up almost any decorating scheme. For this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction, artist Angela Jones McMullen has created a patriotic painting that will make a fine addition to any collection. This Fraktur-inspired piece depicts a Federal eagle flanked by two American flags. The eagle grips a banner bearing the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum”, or “Out of Many, One.” In his talons the eagle holds an olive branch and a bundle of arrows,...

The Battle of Oriskany Set by Jack Weeks, Ben Hoffman, and Rick Lorenzen

Reliable auction supporter Jack Weeks organized a trio of talented artists to create a stunning black powder rig that pays homage to the Patriot heroes who fought at the Battle of Oriskany in 1777. The battle, which took place in New York’s Mohawk Valley, was largely waged by the region’s German settlers and Native inhabitants. Lorenzen’s powder horn captures the spirit of those Patriots. The piece is inspired by an original horn made by Frietrich Leppert, who served in New...

European Style Hunting Bag by Shelly Gier

CLA artist Shelly Gier has once again donated an outstanding piece to the CLF Fundraising Auction. This year Gier contributed a one-of-a-kind European hunting bag, which is a truly unique offering for the auction.  This bag is inspired by several original examples, but carries Gier’s individual design sensibilities. This well-proportioned bag will easily accommodate your hunting gear, as well as any game you’re fortunate enough to take.  The main body of the bag is constructed from 3oz overdyed bridle leather, and...

Hand Carved Walking Stick by Wayne and William Fluke

The artistic duo of brothers Wayne and William Fluke routinely garner a good bit of appropriate attention at the CLA Annual Show. The Pennsylvania artists regularly exhibit a stunning display of powder horns, carved European powder flasks, carved knives, and decorated boxes that are entirely unique for artisans of the longrifle culture.  At this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction, bidders will have the opportunity to acquire a stunning gentleman’s walking stick by the Fluke brothers. Initially planned for sale in the...

Frontiersman’s Knife by Heinz Ahlers

This knife is meant to be an example of frontier blacksmithing and the waste not, want not frontier philosophy.  The knife’s original career path was as a Nicholson Black Diamond file. This was a 1950’s era Black Diamond made from Bethlehem steel with a carbon content of over 1.25%. Nicholoson stopped using that alloy over 50 years ago although they kept the Black Diamond name. This file was too worn for any further sharpenings and was repurposed into a knife blade....

Bag and Horn Set by Lawrence Fiorillo and Todd Hambrick

A reliable bag and horn are necessities for any black powder shooter, and the artistic team of Lawrence Fiorillo and Todd Hambrick have produced an outstanding rig for this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction. This fine-looking and durable outfit is sure to last. Fiorillo’s hunting pouch is made of vegetable tanned cowhide and measures 7 ½ inches wide by 8 ½ inches deep. It has an inner pocket and is fully welted with a 1½ inch gusset. The leather for this...

The Patriot’s Call – Providing For, and Defending the Homeland Since Colonial Times Colonial Rifle, Patriot Flag, & Stand by Paul Bigham and Paul Fennewald

Long before April 19th, 1775, when patriots at Lexington and Concord sent a loud message to the world that our freedom was everything to us, longrifles had been synonymous with providing food for colonial families, as well as protecting the homeland. This display captures that same spirit that sustained our forefathers, featuring a recreation of a colonial longrifle as well as a homespun patriot’s flag, supported by a weathered piece of oak and ash for the stand. When the call...

Eighteenth Century Folding Knife by Scott Summerville

Scott Summerville is an excellent knife smith.  His most popular product is his authentic 18th century folding knives.  The 18th century traveler carried his own knife.  Taverns and public houses did not furnish cutlery.  Provisions came in chunks, slabs and sausages; and the baker did not slice your bread. This knife has a bolster copied from an original that is believed to be Dutch.  The blade has an 18th century flared tip, where the tip is slightly wider than where...

Bag, Knife and Horn Set by William Schneider and Casey McClure

For this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction, artists William Schneider and Casey McClure have produced a blackpowder rig loaded with frontier character. Schneider’s bag is made from deep brown pigskin that’s been dyed and oiled with Neatsfoot oil. It was then finished off with a mixture of buffalo tallow and beeswax. The strap is bark-tanned elk hide with a period brass buckle. The rig comes with an antler powder measure, as well as a powder horn from Schneider’s collection which...

Hunting pouch and knife by Gary Tingler and Travis Bauer

This well-crafted hunting pouch with a bag knife in a detachable sheath are the result of a collaboration between Gary Tingler and Travis Bauer.  The medium sized southern style bag is made from brain tanned elk hide, an uncommon material with a nice weight and feel.  Gary sewed this up with waxed linen thread and the bag knife sheath is attached with a copper button. The flap has a cartouche of rattlesnake skin setting it off.   Travis Bauer contributed this...

Quilled Hat Band by Djuana Tucker

During the 18th and 19th centuries, no self-respecting gentleman, or scoundrel for that matter, would consider venturing into public without a hat. For the modern-day frontiersman headed for the range, the rendezvous, or the woods, that hasn’t changed. For those hoping to set their headgear apart from the crowd, CLA artist Djuana Tucker has donated a unique quill wrapped rawhide hatband to this year’s fundraising auction.  Typical of Tucker’s work, the piece is constructed with historically appropriate materials. The artist...

Southern Banded Horn by Billy Griner

Artist Billy Griner is well known in the longrifle culture as a master of the southern banded horn. For this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction, Griner donated a typically remarkable example of his work. The horn is in the style of original pieces typically produced in colonial Randolph County, North Carolina. This elegant, diminutive horn is 9 ¾” long from tip to tip and measures 11 ¾” around the curve.  An amazing amount of intricate turning is on display in this...

Quilled Leg Ties by Bill Wright

During the French and Indian War, Captain Pierre Pouchot kept a meticulous record of the remarkable tribal cultures that he encountered in the North American wilderness. A keen observer, Pouchot left a priceless record of seemingly insignificant details which others easily overlooked. When explaining the dress of France’s Indian allies, Pouchot described a minor but vital part of a warrior’s leg wear. “They wear garters of beads, or porcupine quills,” wrote Pouchot, “bordered four fingers wide, which are tied...

Nineteenth Century War Club by Gordon Barlow

Authentic war clubs are perennial favorites for collectors of Early American arms and art, and attendees at this year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction have some excellent pieces from which to choose. Virginia artist and collector Gordon Barlow’s donation to this year’s auction is a truly fearsome piece that will nicely round out any collection.  This robust club is patterned after an original Teton Sioux war club from the early nineteenth century. Barlow built his club from a finely figured plank...

Ball Headed War Club by Lawrence Reed

Traditionally, works of art have often served to make powerful political statements. Moravian missionary John Heckewelder, who spent a lifetime among the Delaware of the Ohio country, described one such grim tradition among the western tribes. In rectifying an insult, revenging war parties would penetrate their enemy’s country, unleash an ambush, and then leave a war club at the scene of the attack. “This war club,” explained Heckewelder, “is purposely left that the enemy may know to what nation...

Knife, Bag, and Horn Set by Adam Daub, Daniel Boehringer, and Henry Bowman

Knife, Bag, and Horn Set by Adam Daub, Daniel Boehringer, and Henry Bowman Quality hunting rigs are a perennial favorite with collectors and shooters, and this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction features a visually stunning set created by the artistic trio of Adam Daub, Daniel Boehringer, and Henry Bowman. The rig is built around a heart shaped bag by Daniel Boehringer. He describes it as a southern style bag made of 2-3 oz. vegetable tanned leather. Dyed with walnut hulls and a...

Bag and Horn Set by Tom Greco

Auction artist Tom Greco can always be counted on to produce topnotch pieces for the CLF Fundraising Auction. His donation to this year’s event is no exception. His set is built around a native-inspired open-top hunting bag. It’s a museum quality reproduction that has the look of a centuries-old original. The bag is made from brain-tanned leather and sports a deep brown patina achieved with walnut hull dye; it was given a protective coat of bear grease. The bag is...

Early American Pistol by James Turpin

For the 25th Anniversary of the Contemporary Longrifle Association, CLA craftsmen have produced some of the finest artwork to be offered in the annual fundraising auction. A truly exquisite offering this year is a fine gentleman’s pistol by one of the best makers working today: James Turpin. Working largely with reclaimed materials, Turpin created a masterpiece. This early handgun, explains the artist, could be considered “either English or American” as American gunsmiths routinely mimicked the work of makers from the...

Neck Knife and Quilled Sheath by Frank and Lally House

This neck knife and quilled sheath were created by Frank House and Lally House. Frank forged this knife with a finely balanced 4 1/2-inch-long blade and mounted it to an antler handle with a through tang. The handle is finished with silver mounts.  There is an interesting pommel on the butt of the knife with a protrusion serving as a bullet starter.  The knife is what you would expect from one of the leading knife smithing teachers in the CLA.This...

Fighting Knife from a Broken Sword by Joe Seabolt

Nothing was wasted on the American frontier.  Swords and small swords were common with militia officers and it was not uncommon for a sword to be broken in use. The remains of such a quality piece of steel would be quickly salvaged and reworked.For this recreation Joe Seabolt had to first recreate the quality sword blade-work of a master bladesmith.  This blade shows the double fullers and precise ricasso and choil work of a quality sword,  and represents the...

Knife, sheath and display by Verlin Cossel

This rifleman’s knife, sheath, small war club, and display stand are a unique set from the clever hands and mind of CLA artist Verlin Cossel.  The knife has a 7 ¼-inch hand-forged blade. Verlin studied knife making with the House brothers and had additional input from Sam Stoner, a Mennonite blacksmith.  The 1084 carbon steel blade has a 4-inch handle of deer leg bone. The sheath is walnut dyed deerskin hand-sewn over a deer raw-hide liner. Walnut stain was also...

Nineteenth Century Hunting Bag by Jeff Luke

CLA artist Jeff Luke is a skilled craftsman and consistent auction supporter. His donation to this year’s fundraising auction is an attractive and sturdy hunting rig for the modern frontiersman. As Luke explains it, this bag and horn set “represents my interpretation of one that might have been crafted and carried by an early 19th century hunter or trapper, skilled in his abilities with hide and stitching.” Luke’s pouch is a classic heart design, constructed of heavy bark tanned deer...

Tomahawk by Don Shaver engraving by Frank House

This fine tomahawk was forged by Don Shaver from an old hammer head.  This tough steel makes a good axe. The pipe bowl is worked from an old gun barrel, a traditional touch. The haft is ash wood that Don salvaged from the emerald ash borer. Like many originals, this axe does not have a smoke hole bored through the handle. With its French influenced shape, it is a good working axe.  Frank House has engraved the decorative silver...

Forged Knife by Todd Butler

Alabama artist Todd Butler is known for making truly exquisite custom knives that sport elegant lines and razor-sharp blades. Butler returns to this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction with a stellar offering that’s sure to elicit competitive bidding. Butler’s knife, which measures in at over fifteen inches in length, carries an imposing ten-inch-long blade forged from 1075 steel. The top of the blade features a false edge, while the bottom of the blade sports Spanish notches, which, Butler explains, are inspired...

Continental Marines Powder Horn by Ron Hess

Powder horns are naturally a big hit at the CLF Fundraising Auction, but artist Ron Hess has donated a truly unique piece for this year’s event.    Thanks to the research efforts of the Honorable Company of Horners, Hess was able to create a faithful reproduction of one of the most priceless treasures from the Revolutionary War. HCH members were granted access to the original Isaac Ackley horn, which is now in the collection of the National Museum of the Marine...

Early 19th Century Hunting Pouch Set By Lawrence Fiorillo, Todd Hambrick, Casey McClure

EARLY 19TH CENTURY HUNTING POUCH SET By Lawrence Fiorillo, Todd Hambrick, Casey McClure Dimensions: 8 ½” wide x 9” high By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright Lawrence Fiorillo, Todd Hambrick and Casey McClure have donated this great looking Hunting set with a homespun air to this year’s auction.  Created around a bark tanned, ample sized hunting pouch this rig is loaded with fine touches.  The finely fringed trim on the bag, the rolled edge and the lined flap show Larry's leather working...

Bag and Horn Set by: Jeff Luke

BAG AND HORN SET by Jeff Luke Bag size:  Height 10”    Width  7 ½” Powder horn: 13” Outside curve By Joshua Shepherd Photography by H. David Wright Whether they’re carried afield for a day’s hunt or hung as period décor in your home, few period crafts exude the alure of the early frontier as well as a nicely paired hunting bag and horn. This year’s CLF fundraising auction features a stellar set crafted by artist Jeff Luke. Luke created a quintessential hunter’s set to reflect what...

Hunting Pouch Set by Calvin Tanner, Ron Hess and Louise Hess

HUNTING POUCH SET By Calvin Tanner, Ron Hess and Louise Hess Pouch: 7” X 8 1/2”     Powder horn: Length 12“  Butt dia. 2 ½“ By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright The design of the pouch was inspired by an existing 18th century pouch. Calvin feels the set is one that represents a common pouch of that era. One that would have been carried by a long hunter or settler coming into the western area of Virginia, the Carolina's, or the Ohio Valley. The...

Hunting Bag and Knife by Gary Tingler and Casey McClure

HUNTING BAG AND KNIFE by Gary Tingler and Casey McClure Bag: 8 1/2" wide by 9 1/2" deep. Patch knife  9" long. By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright Gary Tingler and Casey McClure have created a this simple but extraordinarily well made hunting bag and knife set.  The bag is made of a dark nicely grained buffalo leather with a matching strap.  The edges are welted and show careful stitching, The shape has a nicely tapered bottom and there is a welted...