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Horn Spoon & Stand by Henry Bowman

HORN SPOON & STAND Length: 8 ½” By Henry Bowman By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright The horn spoon donated to this year’s CLF fundraising auction by artist Henry Bowman is a unique work of art that’s sure to grace any collection of early American collectibles. “The inspiration for this piece,” explains the artist, “came while I was looking at photos of 19th-century effigy spoons made by the tribes of the Pacific northwest.” Bowman’s contemporary interpretation of tribal art has resulted in a...

Long Knife by Adam Daub

LONG KNIFE Length: 15 ½”   Blade: 10 ½” By Adam Daub By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright Any knife maker will tell you, the longer the blade, the more care you have to take at every step in the process.  Forging, hardening, tempering need all to be right on to avoid cracks, warps, and brittle spots.  When you do everything right you get one like Adam Daub has donated to this year’s fund raising auction. The legendary knife of the American frontiersman, (hence...

Pipe Tomahawk by Simeon England, Mike Miller, and Kyle Willyard

PRESENTATION PIPE TOMAHAWK Length  21 1/2"     Head 5 1/2" tall. By Simeon England, Mike Miller, and Kyle Willyard By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright The name tomahawk is a combination of tribal and English words. Algonquin and Lenape peoples 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...

Rifleman’s Knife by Todd Butler

RIFLEMAN’S KNIFE by Todd Butler By Joshua Shepherd Photography by David Wright Collectors of fine knives just can’t seem to acquire too many blades, but it’s a rare thing indeed for a knife to perfectly blend artistic aesthetics with rugged functionality. At this year’s CLF fundraising auction, bidders will have the opportunity to purchase a collector’s grade knife that’s worthy of display in the home or office, but will also perform flawlessly in the field. Alabama artist Todd Butler’s offering at this year’s event...

Tavern Smoker’s Companion by Greg Bray

TAVERN SMOKER’S COMPANION By Greg Bray Size:  14” x 5” By Joshua Shepherd Photography by H. David Wright Despite the fact that the habit of smoking tobacco has largely fallen out of favor in modern America, the practice was ubiquitous in colonial America. From the drawing rooms of Philadelphia to the farthest reaches of the frontier, “making smoke” crossed the societal bounds of class and culture. For this year’s CLF fundraising auction, artist Greg Bray has created a truly unique offering for collectors. “It’s a...

Northwest Trade Gun by Doug Warren

NORTHWEST TRADE GUN by Doug Warren By Joshua Shepherd Photography by H. David Wright Classic firearms from America’s past are naturally at the heart of the modern Longrifle Culture. Collectors at this year’s CLF fundraising auction will have the opportunity to acquire a truly iconic weapon that saw broad use across the early American frontier: the Northwest Trade Gun. Artist Doug Warren has donated a truly unique version of the ubiquitous British trade gun. Easy to carry, quick to load, with tremendous stopping power...

Heart of the Hearth Original Painting by Maria Freed

HEART OF THE HEARTH ORIGINAL PAINTING by Maria Freed by Joshua Shepherd Photography by H. David Wright 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...

Colonial Fowler by James Frost & Powder Horn by Mike Small

COLONIAL FOWLER by James Frost POWDER HORN by Mike Small By Joshua Shepherd Photography by David Wright When it comes to sheer versatility in the field, few period firearms can compare to the smooth bore fowler. Capable of taking a wide spectrum of wild game, fowlers saw extensive use in early America as humble meat guns. But in a very real sense, the weapon helped shape the United States. During the early days of the Revolutionary War, New England militia units regularly took...

Quilled Hat Band by Djuana Tucker

QUILLED HAT BAND by Djuana Tucker   By Joshua Shepherd Photography by Lon Brauer 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 fund-raising auction. Typical of Tuckers work,...

The Scout Set

THE SCOUT SET By Joshua Shepherd Photography by H. David Wright At its core, the Contemporary Longrifle Association is a community of collaborative artists who share an enthusiasm for early American heritage. For this year’s fundraising auction, Shelly Gier organized an effort by a score of CLA artists to produce “The Scout Set”, a truly remarkable collection of practical tools for the modern frontiersman. The Scout Set is built around a superb knapsack crafted by artist Shelly Gier. Gier refined the design of...

Fishing Themed Powder Horn & Bait Horn Set by Albert Emanuel

Powder Horn length: 9 1/4" Bait Horn length 4 1/2" Hunting and fishing are twin pursuits that have shaped outdoor life throughout American history. For this year's CLF fundraising auction, Arizona artist Albert "Ace" Emanuel has crafted a stunning pair of horns that will be useful on the hunt or by the lake. Emanuel's powder horn is a fine example of the flat variety, fitted with a poplar base plug. The stopper was crafted from horn, carved into the shape of a...

Longhunters Knife by Chad Matthews

LONGHUNTERS KNIFE by Chad Matthews Length: 13 1/2”   Blade: 8 3/4” By Heinz Ahlers Photography by H. David Wright The CLF is proud to present this classically styled long hunters knife by Chad Matthews.  The carbon steel blade is combined with a classic s shaped cross guard and bolster. Both are also of carbon steel. The blade length is 8 3/4”  and overall is 13 1/2”. This is a fine looking traditional knife with a striking curly maple grip.  The blade is made from an...

Woodbury School Belt Knife & Sheath by Verlin Cossel

Length: 10 1/2" Verlin Cossel forged this dandy belt knife in the Woodbury tradition. It feature a 6 2/8 inch blade carefully forged out of 1095 carbon steel. The blade has dual touch marks and a nice aged finish. A poured pewter bolster and a coin silver butt cap secure the antler handle to the knife. To finish out its Woodbury pedigree the bolster and butt cap are engraved by Hershel House himself. This is a finely balanced, nice handling knife....

Southern Banded Horn by Billy Griner

Length: 11 1/2" outside curve A reliable powder horn is a necessity for the blackpowder shooter, and this year’s CLF fundraising auction features a truly exceptional example of the horner’s craft by artist Billy Griner. Griner’s donation is a quintessential example of the southern banded horn. “This particular horn,” explains the artist, “is a contemporary squirrel rifle horn made in my Satilla River style.” The horn measures eleven and a half inches along the long curve, and features three decorative bands...

Kings Mountain Bag and Horn by Jack Weeks and Rick Lorenzen

Hunting Bag - 8 inch X 9 inch, Horn 16 inches on outside curve Jack Weeks and Rick Lorenzen have assembled a rig typical of those used by American Patriots that hailed from the back country settlements in Virginia, North Carolina, and what is now Kentucky and Tennessee. These "Over mountain Men" from the western slope of the crest of the Blue Ridge, mustered at Sycamore Shoals, near present Elizabethtown, Tennessee for the march on Colonel Patrick Ferguson's Loyalist troops...

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...

Woodbury Style Knife by Heinz Ahlers

Length: 11 ¾”.  Blade, 7 ¼” A razor-sharp blade fitted with an antler handle remains not only a practical tool for the modern outdoorsman, but an iconic symbol of America’s frontier past. Bidders at this year’s CLF fundraising auction will have the opportunity to own a truly classic example of the frontier belt knife by one of modern America’s best blade smiths. Former auction chairman and veteran knife maker Heinz Ahlers lent his considerable talents in crafting a robust knife that’s...

Flintlock Pistol by Dennis Kelley

Every black powder hunter has a dream of owning a flintlock pistol. This beautiful maple stocked, iron mounted, flintlock pistol by Dennis Kelley will make that dream come true. With this flintlock, Dennis’s has captured an outstanding style that is associated with the traditional style of an American made flintlock pistol. His attention to detail, amazing wood and wood finish makes this flintlock pistol an outstanding addition to any collection. This beautiful flintlock pistol is .40 caliber and is...

Classic Frontier Hunting Pouch with Powder Horn by Cory Stewart

Cory has provided to the CLF a wonderful frontier style hunting pouch that has an adjustable  cloth strap complete with hand stitched leather holding an iron buckle.  The pouch comes with a powder horn that has a filed antler spout and a plug that is decorated with brass tacks. This hunting pouch is an essential accoutrement for the black powder hunter. Our October CLF Live Auction will afford the bidders the opportunity  to own this wonderful hunting pouch by...

1760s Hunting Rig by Jack Weeks, Rick Lorenzen and John Leach

Jack Weeks and Rick Lorenzen have partnered once again and the result is a bold bag and horn set. They are both artists and craftsmen who continuously research early American history and the evolution of hunting accoutrements. This is the fourth year the guys have been collaborating using 18th century materials and techniques. They want this handsome rig to be loved and used by a contemporary hunter who will pass it down as a family heirloom. Jack has selected a...

Classic Beaver Tail Hunting Bag by Doug Warren

One of the most vital pieces of equipment for blackpowder shooters is a rig consisting of a watertight horn and a dependable possibles bag, and this years CLA auction will afford bidders the opportunity to own a truly exemplary set by artist Doug Warren. Warren's bag is a fine collectors piece that will be perfectly at home in a display case or in the field. The artist utilized period-appropriate materials for the entire bag. Crafted from 3 oz. deerskin...

Neck Knife and Quilled Sheath by Charles Wallingford and Bill Wright

Few pieces of tribal artistry are as visually captivating as the iconic neck knife of the eastern woodlands. For this years CLF fundraising auction, two of the nations top artists have teamed up to produce a truly outstanding example thats destined to become a treasured heirloom. Master cutler and CLA charter member Charles Wallingford hand-forged this knife from 1084 bar stock. Typical of the legendary Wallingford knives, the blade is razor sharp and sports a rich patina. The handle is...

Possibles Bag by Gary Tingler & Kris Polizzi

Faithful CLA supporter and skilled craftsman Gary Tingler has created another outstanding hunting bag for this years CLF fundraising auction. This piece is a gracefully proportioned possibles bag entirely hand-crafted from hard-wearing buffalo leather, with edges bound in deerskin. The bag, graced with a rich brown patina, has a handy inner pocket, and comes complete with a pewter-capped pick and brush set handmade by Tingler. The bag, which is entirely handstitched in waxed linen thread, is paired with an...

Early American Hanging Shelf by Patrick Thevenow

While most blackpowder enthusiasts are outdoorsmen by nature, even the most die-hard frontiersman enjoys the comforts of home. For this years CLF fundraising auction, artist Patrick Thevenow has donated a fine piece of reproduction home dcor thats sure to tastefully complement a wide range of design schemes. Thevenows hanging wall shelf is inspired by an original set of built-in cupboards constructed by an Indiana cabinetmaker circa-1818. Fittingly enough, the piece is constructed of solid tulip poplar, the state tree of...

Eighteenth Century Folding Knife by Scott Summerville

In November of 1766, the English firm of Robert Cary and Company issued an invoice for miscellaneous goods to an up-and-coming Virginia planter who was largely tethered to the mother country for the manufactured goods necessary on his plantation. For various items including silk, nails, buttons, and cheese, George Washington was billed the respectable sum of 161. Included in the shipment was one item clearly intended for a gentleman of standing: 1 fine pocket knife, London made, for the...

.54 Caliber Gentlemans Pistol by Ken Stanley and Chuck Edwards

Few weapons capture the artistic grandeur of the flintlock era quite like a refined gentlemans pistol, and this year the CLF is pleased to present a truly stunning example by gunsmiths Ken Stanley and Chuck Edwards. Inspired by a pistol originally created by Pennsylvania's legendary Kuntz family of gunsmiths, Stanley created this exquisite handgun around a .54 caliber, 10 3/4, rifled barrel, stocked in curly maple. Stanley entirely scratch built the sterling silver furniture for this piece, including the...

Double Beaver Hunting Bag by Bill Smith

The hunting pouch, explains Kentucky artist Bill Smith, is an icon of the American frontier used in the 18th and 19th centuries. But the modern frontiersman remains in need of a reliable bag for the woods or the range, and for this years CLF fundraising auction Smith has once again donated one of his renowned hunting bags. Smith's bags are widely regarded for their robust functionality, and this piece exceeds expectations. The body of the bag, which is made from...

Saga of the Longknife

One of the keystone offerings of this years CLF fundraising auction is the collective creation of eight CLA member artists. Christened the Saga of the Longknife by its creators, this piece constitutes a stunning, mixed media sculptural set composed of superbly executed, functional art. The entire set is created around a folk-art carving by artist Matt Fennewald, who used a mix of woods including pecan, walnut, and cherry to assemble the body of the sculpture, which is scaled...

Ozarks Trekker by Marty Overstreet, Joel Coash, O.J. Stone, and Paul Fennewald

A truly unique offering in this years CLF fundraising auction, the Ozarks Trekker set is the collaborative creation of four Missouri artists and constitutes a superb decorative display for the home. This collection pays homage to Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, who explored the Ozarks over the winter of 1819 and later published an account of his journey. O.J. Stone hand forged a classic frontier hunting knife from 1095 carbon steel, and fitted the blade to a hard maple handle. The style,...

Antler Handled Frontier Knife by Glen Mock

Modern outdoorsmen are in perpetual need of a reliable knife, and collectors can do no better than a blade by prominent knifemaker Glen Mock. A renowned bladesmith and faithful supporter of the CLF fundraising auction, Mock donated a classic frontiersmans knife to this years event. Mocks blade was painstakingly hand forged from 1084 steel and fitted to a traditional antler handle. The handle is decorated with a hand-cast pewter bolster and a German silver end cap. The knife comes...

1760s Great Lakes Knife and Sheath Set by Ben Hoffman

For this years CLF fundraising auction, Ohio artisan Ben Hoffman chose to reproduce an original piece made in the Great Lakes region that dates from the 1760s. True to artists exacting standards, both the knife and sheath was entirely hand-crafted. Hoffman salvaged the steel for the knife blade from an antique buggy spring, which was then hand-forged using a vintage hand-crank-powered coal forge. The basic shape of the blade was crafted using a hammer, tongs and anvil. Most of the...

Frontier Georgia Bag and Horn Set by Ron Hess and Marc Hamel

CLA members are very often inspired by history in the creation of their art. A 2018 exhibition at the Georgia Museum of Art, which focused on the states early gunsmiths, prompted Georgia artist Ron Hess to create this fine bag and horn set for this years CLF fundraising auction. The oldest firearm at the exhibition was an 1815 rifle attributed to frontier gunsmith Richard Allen; the Allen rifle is accompanied by an original bag and horn which was duplicated...

Neck Knife and Quilled Sheath by Virgil Henle and Christie Suchora

During the Seven Years War, French military engineer Pierre Pouchot was intrigued by Native American warriors who habitually wore remarkably decorated knife sheaths as a badge of status. The Indians always have one suspended round their neck, explained Pouchot. Their knife is hung from the neck, he wrote, and falls upon the breastthey regard this property as sacred as their children. Attendees at this years CLF fundraising auction will have the opportunity to acquire a truly outstanding neck knife and...

Lobed Horn and Hunting Bag by Tim Crosby and Marc Hamel

Tim Crosby and Marc Hamel teamed up to create a superb colonial era bag and horn set for this years CLF fundraising auction. The architecture of Hamels cowhide hunting bag is inspired by an eighteenth century engraving that depicts a rifleman wearing a similar bag. The bag is made from 2-3 ounce cowhide, tooled and dyed by Hamel. The main flap is 4-5 ounce cowhide, and the saddle stitching is waxed linen. The welt, edge binding and internal pocket...

Bag and Horn Set by Tom Greco

Artisan Tom Greco is well known as a maker of distinctive, top-quality frontier art. Not surprisingly, he's contributed a standout bag and horn set for this years CLF fundraising auction. The body of Greco's unique possibles bag is crafted from goat hide, which is richly colored with a brown leather dye and a sealing coat of grease. The warm color of the bag contrasts nicely with the outer flap, as well as the flap of a smaller pocket, which...

Polled Tomahawk and Sheath by Simeon England, Kyle Willyard, and Shelly Gier

Text by Simeon England A collaborative effort by Simeon England, Kyle Willyard, and Shelly Gier, this tomahawk is heavily based on Englands research into early belt axes, referred to as polled tomahawks in the period, carried by backcountry frontiersmen. Though a bit more refined than what would commonly be seen on the frontier, the engraving and level of finish are similar to many existing examples of pipe tomahawks made by colonial gunsmiths. England and Willyard worked together in forging the tomahawk,...

Quilled Hatband 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 hasnt 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 years fund-raising auction. Typical of Tuckers work, the piece is constructed with historically appropriate...

Calfskin Hunting Bag by Chris Crosby

Chris Crosbys fine contribution to this years CLF auction represents, he explains, a piece that would have been carried by a man of middling means, to service his smooth rifle or fowler. The body of the bag is made from vegetable tanned calfskin and the bindings on the flap and at the throat of the bellows panel are bark tanned sheepskin. The bags rich coloring was achieved with the artists own resourceful mix of crushed willow and oak charcoal,...

Classic Patch Knife by Verlin Cossel

Every blackpowder shooter needs a dependable patch knife in his kit, and this years CLF fundraising auction will afford attendees the opportunity to own a truly fine example by knifemaker Verlin Cossel. Cossels patch knife is an evocative classic that conjures images of the early American frontier. Starting with reclaimed steel from an antique hay rake tine, Cossel handcrafted the blade at the coal forge in his home workshop. The blade is fitted in its tastefully-aged antler handle with a...

Hand-Forged Hearth Cooking Set by Greg Bray

For many early American history enthusiasts, living with a tangible connection to the past can be a way of life. This years CLF fundraising auction will feature a delightful set of cooking utensils that will be equally at home around a campfire or in a 21st century kitchen. Blacksmith and CLA member Greg Bray has crafted a full set of hand-forged cooking implements based on original 18th century examples. The set includes a ladle, a serving or cooking fork, a...

Bag and Horn Set by Brian Barker

The annual CLF fundraising auction routinely offers the finest in contemporary frontier art, but Brian Barkers striking contribution to this years auction has the looks of a centuries-old original. Barker crafted the hunting bag from bark tanned deer hide, warmly aged and hand sewn with linen thread. The interior of the bag is lined with linen fabric, and appears to have been repaired with a swatch of pillow tick. The strap for the bag is made from heavy duty vegetable...

Hunting Pouch and Horn by Lawrence Fiorillo & Todd Hambrick

This Eighteenth century style pouch and horn are in the homespun frontier style. The oak tanned cowhide bag measures ten and a half inches long and 5 and a half inches deep. It has a simple domed metal button closure and an internal pocket. The waxed hemp strap is wide and should make a comfortable carry. This horn is perfect for this bag. It has charming folk art animal figures and a sturdy construction. There is also a powder measure,...

Fine Scrimshawed Horn by Lee Cooper

In 1775 a twenty-four year old Englishman found himself on the Colonial American frontier as the American Revolution was taking hold. Nicholas Cresswell was low on cash and took employment with an Indian trader to recoup his fortunes. He left us with a journal of his frontier adventures from Fort Pitt into the Indian Country and back. Lee Cooper has produced this extraordinary horn in commemoration of Nicholas Cresswell and included a photocopy of Cresswells journal of his trading adventure. This...

Hunting Bag and Horn by Jack Weeks, Kenny Nichols, Paula Hoagland, & Rick Lorenzen

I hand stitched the 8x8 inch D- shaped bag of bark tanned deer hide with waxed linen thread. It has a 3x2 ball pocket and a 4x8 inch partition at the inside back. Paula Hoagland ( Indiana) provided the hand woven wool and linen strap. Rick Lorenzen (Michigan) contributed the 13 inch scrimshawed horn with a rattlesnake theme. The late Kenny Nichols (Alabama) made the 4inch, 70 grain rattlesnake powder measure. Matt Hunt (Virginia) prepared the bark tan for...

Hunting Bag by Gary Tingler

Gary Tingler has furnished an exceptionally nice hunting bag for this years auction. The soft leather bag is tightly sewn and features a darker welt. The design of this bag is notable. It has a taper from the eight and a half inch bottom to the five and a half inch top. The ample flap fits very closely at the top opening. There are two extra pockets, one under the flap with a separate flap and button closure of...

Hunting Set by Tim Crosby & Marc Hamel

This Virginia style horn and strap is by Tim Crosby. The horn features a screw tip and an antler collar with a horn tip. There is also a turned antler finial on the butt cap. The Tim Crosby patch knife has a turned antler handle and a bolster from a recycled pipe axe bowl. Tim also created the accouterments; a turned pewter powder measure with a turned wooden tip, a horse hair brush, and a work hardened copper vent...

Charlie Wallingford with Quilled Sheath by Bill Wright

For the tribes of the northeast woodlands, no item in the warriors kit was as essential as a good blade, which very often took the form of the traditional neck knife. French Capt. Pierre Pouchot, who closely observed the natives during the French and Indian War, noted that Indian warriors wouldnt venture anywhere without one. Their knife is hung from a sheath from the neck, and falls upon the breast, wrote Pouchot, and they regard this property as sacred...

Knife by Glen Mock with Sheath by Heinz Ahlers

Glen Mock forged this fine knife, a stylish 6 inch bladed belt knife with a coin silver pummel cap setting off the antler handle. This blade has an interesting long choil. Glens forged blades are well known for their ruggedness and edge holding. This blade and handle have an interesting architecture and the knife is extremely comfortable in the hand. This will make a great camp knife and skinner. Heinz Ahlers has contributed a simple belt sheath from vegetable tanned...

Otter Bag by Frank Chambers

The Otter skin pouch is traditional Native American accoutrement. Franklin Chambers has created a particularly fine example for this years auction. James Adair made the following observation relating to Native American hunting pouches: "all the savages sit cross-legged, so my visitors did, and held their guns on their knee, or kept them very near, with their otter-skin shot pouch over one of their shoulders. This nicely tanned otter pouch has the open top construction popular with the Southern Nations. A...

Quilled Horn Strap by Djuana Tucker

The quillwork design on this powder horn strap is based on 18th century Eastern Woodland/Great Lakes style porcupine quill embroidery. The quills are naturally dyed with indigo, Osage orange, and madder, and they are sewn onto the strap using the zigzag and outline techniques. The strap is 36" long and 1 1/2" wide. The leather is smoked, braintanned, and walnut dyed by Andy Ruffner. The strap is lined with linen and has leather reinforced ends, with two 12" leather...