Blog - Page 5 of 7 - Contemporary Longrifle Foundation

Iron Mounted Rifle by Heinz Ahlers, Frank House, Jim Kibler, & Ian Pratt

The Woodbury Whitson Rifle is a result of a collaboration between Jim Kibler, Heinz Ahlers, Ian Pratt and Frank House. Jim Kibler donated one of his fine Iron Mounted Southern rifle kits to the CLA for this years auction. Heinz handled the assembly of the kit and fabricated the additional metal parts. Ian Pratt was the design consultant, historian, and trigger smith. Frank House handled the finishing work including the final styling on the rifle. This rifle went start to...

2018 Fundraising

Fraktur Distlefinks by Sandy Greco

The CLF is proud to present for auction this framed 7 1/2 inch by 21 1/2 inch Fraktur style artwork from CLA artist D Sandy Greco. The term Fraktur describes a form of calligraphy or a font type, but has been extended the colorful floral and figurative drawings and paintings that started as illumination for birth and baptismal certificates and evolved to stand alone illustrations. The Pennsylvania German community developed Fraktur as an art form with some of the earliest...

2018 Fundraising

Powder Horn by Ron Hess

This great smaller sized set is constructed around a six and half inch wide and seven inch deep bag using leather repurposed from a boot. Ron Hess owned this bag but it was made by fellow CLA artist Ken Scott. Ron decided to make a Tansel style horn to fit the bag. And fortunately for us he decided to donate the end product to the CLA Auction. This is a very successful pairing. The great molding, scrimshaw and subtle color...

2018 Fundraising

Priming Horn by Ken Stanley

Ken Stanley has created this great priming horn for the auction. This is a nice flat horn approximately 6 inches overall. A very appealing horn in a useful size and shape for the pouch: it will also make a fine day horn for a squirrel rifle. This flat horn with great color fits well in the hand and shows the care the artist put into this auction creation. The scrimshaw work on this horn is very well done. Additional touches...

2018 Fundraising

Folding Knife by Scot Summerville, Engraved by Chuck Edwards

The folding knife is one of the most useful forms of cutlery. It fits nicely in a pouch or pocket and is handy to have when you are in more formal dress. A folding knife is often thought of as a requirement fo the gentleman. And do we ever have a gentlemans knife for this years auction. Two excellent CLA artisans, Chuck Edwards and Scott Summerville have teamed up to produce an extraordinary folding knife this year. Both artists are...

2018 Fundraising

Wall Plaque by Joshua Shepherd

Independentruggedself-reliant. Few images in our nations history are as enduring as that of the quintessential American frontiersman. For this years CLF fundraising auction, artist Joshua Shepherd has created a unique sculpture Taking Aim - that pays fitting homage to the legendary longhunters who helped carve a nation out of a forbidding wilderness. Directly modelled in sculptors epoxy, the frontiersman sports an iconic hunters frock, broad-brimmed hat, powder horn, antler handled long knife, and, of course, flintlock rifle. Measuring approximately...

2018 Fundraising

Haversack by Bill Smith

This year the CLA Live Auction is offering one of Bill Smiths popular haversacks. This leather and herringbone weave hemp cloth version of Bills haversack is particularly attractive. The haversack is approximately eleven inches by eleven inches. The leather flap is a very dark brown as is the one and a half inch wide leather strap. The bag is fully lined in duck cloth with two accessory pockets on the inside. The Hemp cloth is almost black and the herringbone...

2018 Fundraising

Hunting Set by Tom Greco

This hunting set consists of a banded screw tip horn with leather strap, a leather pouch with decorative welt, a flint wallet, lathe turned cleaning tools, an antler measure, pan brush and vent pick. This entire set exhibits close attentional to detail and the pride in workmanship that mark all Tom Greco products. The horn is medium sized with a nice warm color with two white bands. The bands have fine molding lines. The turned antler screw tip shows excellent...

2018 Fundraising

Priming Horn by Joe-D Baxter & 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...

2018 Fundraising

Knife by Kyle Willyard with Sheath by Lally House

Lally House and Kyle Willyard have collaborated to make a special project for this years CLA Auction. This knife and quilled sheath showcase the first quality work of two top artisans. The neck sheath is a preferred Native American method for carrying the knife, it is safe to assume this useful method would have carried over to the frontier as it is both useful and attractive. The hand forged knife by Kyle features traditional styling with an integral forged bolster,...

2018 Fundraising

Warrior’s Clutch

For this years CLF fundraising auction, a cadre of some of the most respected artists in the muzzleloading community has teamed up to create a truly remarkable collection christened A Warrior's Clutch. The goal for the craftsmen, explains artist Ian Pratt, was to create a vibrant, visually striking set of items that reflect the possessions carried by a warrior in the mid-18th century. Although we imagine a general Great Lakes region as our warrior's home, his identity remains unknown. The...

2018 Fundraising

Powder Horn by Steve Lodding and H. David Wright

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by H. David Wright Steve Lodding and H. David Wright have teamed up to create a spectacular engraved powder horn inspired by an original in a private collection. The antique French and Indian War period New York map horn, attributed to the "Pointed Tree" carver contains a base plug that was uniquely painted with a scene of a gentleman hunting birds over his dog. Lodding, who made and engraved the horn, used features of the "Pointed...

2017 Fundraising

Longrifle by James Frost

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Heinz Ahlers & H. David Wright The early history of the rifle in America is always fascinating and problematic. We know that rifles were in use on the frontier prior to the French and Indian War. John Fraser mentioned the loss of seven rifled guns at the Battle of Fort Necessity. Even earlier, in 1743, the trader John Armstrong stole a rifled gun and a horse from a Delaware Indian. Armstrongs murder when the...

2017 Fundraising

Elk Hide Hunting Bag by Gary Tingler

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Ric Lambert, Heinz Ahlers, & K. Tingler The longrifle is an essential part of the longhunters kit. But,the longrifle without the hunting bag is a difficult thing to manage. You could put the balls in a your pocket, if you had a pocket, or in your mouth, but probably not enough for a long hunt So the hunting bag became a natural accessory to the longhunters gun. It was also a presonal piece of...

2017 Fundraising

Appalachian Style Linen and Leather Hunting Bag by Andrew Verdon

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Heinz Ahlers The linen hunting bag could be in the Appalachian Mountains, especially the Southern Mountains. This breathable fabric style bag was the precursor to the canvas web gear that served our military in two World Wars. The light weight fabric bag works very well as long as you avoid a lot of loose pointy things in the contents. This linen bag with leather flap is nicely crafted by noted leather worker Andrew Verdon. This...

2017 Fundraising

Ojibwe Smoking Pipe by Don Shaver

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Ric Lambert and Heinz Ahlers The Chippewa or Ojibwe were a large indigenous nation with an agricultural history and a great engagement in trade. They traded copper, pipestone, and furs. By the late 18th century this highly civilized tribe had absorbed cultural elements and material goods from the Cree to the north, the Iroqouis to the east, and both French and English trade items. The traditional Ojibwa smoking pipe incorporated some of these changing cultural...

2017 Fundraising

Belt Knife by Charlie Wallingford

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Ric Lambert and Heinz Ahlers In 1748 George Washington was on his first adventure over the Blue Ridge in the Shenandoah Valley. Lord Fairfax had taken a liking to the 16 year old and thought to introduce him to the wilds and the art of surveying. In Georges Journal of My Journey Over the Mountains began Fryday the 11th of March 1747/8 Washington comments on their dinner with Solomon Hedges, Justice of the Peace...

2017 Fundraising

Powder Horn by Glen Sutt

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by H. David Wright The powder horn has always been a very personal piece of equipment. Map horns that showed country the bearer already knew like the back of his hand, scrimshawed horns with the owners name, plain buffalo horns that showed that you had killed one, and spotted horns all told a story. The understated but elegant horns in keeping with the plain living, God fearing folks of the Southern frontier and the flamboyant...

2017 Fundraising

Knife with Quilled Sheath by Rob Parks and Linda Pritchard

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by H. David Wright It's arguably the most important tool for any outdoorsman: a good blade. But for the modern-day frontiersman who favors period black powder shooting, not just any knife will do. This years CLF fundraising auction is fortunately graced with an outstanding knife and sheath set by artisans Robert Park and Linda Pritchard. Accomplished bladesmith Robert Park handcrafted the knife, which is forged from 1084 spring steel. It's a well-proportioned piece: the handle is...

2017 Fundraising

18th Century Puppet by Dale Powers

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by Gordon Barlow Despite the passage of centuries, mankind, at his core, remains the same. Life in the 18th century could entail some pretty serious work, but everyone eventually needs get away from it all. Long before he penned the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson was a hard-working Williamsburg attorney who managed a veritable mountain of court cases. But on April 14, 1769, Jefferson recorded his expenses for a little harmless diversion: he paid 7...

2017 Fundraising

Hunting Pouch, Powder Horn, and Accoutrements by Dwight Umbel, Kris Polizzi, and Jerry Eitnier

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by Ric Lambert and Heinz Ahlers There are few items in a hunters kit as crucial as a trusty possibles bag. For this years CLF fundraising auction, a trio of artisans - Dwight Umbel, Kris Polizzi, and Jerry Eitnier teamed up to create a visually stunning bag and horn set thats sure to become a family heirloom. The bag itself is the creation of CLA artist Dwight Umbel. Umbel crafted the bag from 2-3 oz....

2017 Fundraising

Pistol Case by Jerry Moniot

Pistol Case by Jerry Moniot by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Gordon Barlow Sometimes when you have something really nice, you want to have it in a case that you can open when you want to display it, and close when you want to be a bit more discreet, Also you might prefer not to shove your antique Nicholas-Noel Boutet French officers pistol into a cigar box. Jerry Moniot hand made this finely crafted chest he refers to as a pistol case....

2017 Fundraising

Brooch and Box by Glen Mock

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by H. David Wright The Eighteenth Century was a time of few possessions. Items of personal ornament often doubled with a useful purpose. The treasured family pieces were kept in containers appropriate to their value. Glen Mock has created such a piece for the 2017 Auction. Carefully crafted from natural material this shawl brooch is stunning and elegant. Glen has always been known for his scrimshaw work in horn, bone, antler and other natural materials....

2017 Fundraising

Pouch, Powder Horn, and Accoutrements by Jack Weeks, Rick Lorenzen, Shayna Matthews, and Kenny Nichols

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by H. David Wright CLA artists consistently demonstrate the ability to marry museum-quality aesthetics with rugged practicality. Artist Jack Weeks and a cadre of talented craftsmen have collaborated to produce a truly outstanding bag and horn set for this years CLF fundraising auction. The project is the brainchild of noted CLA artisan Jack Weeks. The basic concept, he explains, was to assemble the equipment a market hunter in the three rivers area would have carried to...

2017 Fundraising

Rifle, Pouch, and Knife by Josh Wrightsman and Gary Tingler

by Heinz Ahlers and Josh Wrightsman with photography by Ric Lambert The pre-revolutionary frontier, west of the great wagon road was an exciting place, from the Allegheny River country down through western Virginia and the Carolinas. The Frontiersman were learning their trade and the skills that would take them across the continent. One of their primary tools was the American longrifle and one of the cradles of longrifle development was Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Josh Wrightsmant and Gary Tingler have created an early...

2017 Fundraising

I See It Too by Andrew Knez Jr.

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by Gordon Barlow This great Andrew Knez Jr. painting was scheduled to be auctioned last year. That did not happen. Your auction Chairman was a bit remiss in the logistics also Andrew unfortunately was involved in a serious automobile accident on his way too the auction. We deferred the auction of the painting off to this year. We are happy to say Andrew has recovered nicely and should be at the auction this year. We...

2017 Fundraising

Youth Rifle by Terry Methe

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Ric Lambert Young people on the frontier went about armed from an early age. In Thoughts on Kentucky Rifle in the Golden Age Joe Kindig Jr. shows a 30 inch barreled youths rifle he attributes to Wolfgang Haga. This is an early gun with a brass box and raised carving. Kindig also notes that he owned another boys rifle by Fredrick Zorger dated 1805 that was engraved and had a patchbox. Nathan Boone related...

2017 Fundraising

Shooting Bag and Powder Horn by Tom Greco and Sandy Greco

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Ric Lambert and Heinz Ahlers The successful colonial farmer, wealthy merchant or Virginia aristocrat, wanted his equipment to send a message about his social status. A fine rifle or fowling piece would be accompanied by fine shooting bag and horn. By the beginning of the French and Indian war rococo decoration and dark leather were very much in style. Tom and Sandy Greco, repeat auction supporters, have created this refined and historically appropriate hunting set...

2017 Fundraising

Waistcoat by Karen Hainlen

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by H. David Wright For General George Washington, the mundane duties of supply and logistics would come to be as important as strategy and tactics. Washington, who cut his teeth on the western frontier during the French and Indian War, was keenly aware that appropriate clothing was crucial to the fighting trim of his men. When the cash-strapped Continental Congress decided in 1775 to supply the army with linen hunting shirts, Washington was concerned that...

2017 Fundraising

Pennsylvania-Style Hunting Bag by Steve Lasley.

by Steve Lasley with photography by Ric Lambert & Heinz Ahlers The Pennsylvania-style hunting bag can be more complex than the styles encountered on the frontier in the Southern Highlands. Eastern Pennsylvania was more settled and specialized craftsman such as cordwainers, bookmakers and tanners were available. An active commerce in trade and cash existed east of Fort Cumberland in the mid 18th century. Although homemade bags were in common use, bags with linings and a bit more style are often...

2017 Fundraising

Boone Rifle by Ed Fish

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Ric Lambert Ed Fish is donating a copy of a very important rifle currently owned by Brian LaMaster. The rifle bears an inscription on the patchbox, N D Boone, Kaintuck done in a primitive style. Based on this inscription and extensive research Brian believes the original rifle may have been owned by Nathan Boone and that it was built by Daniel Boone and William Arbuckle around 1790. The rifle could have been used by...

2017 Fundraising

War Club by Gordon Barlow

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Gordon Barlow Among the tribes of the eastern woodlands, few symbols could be as potent as the ball headed war club. Missionary John Heckewelder, who spent a lifetime on the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Ohio, explained that When the Indians have determined to take revenge they would leave a carved war club at the site of an ambush. It was a stark tribal message that many Europeans failed to grasp, but which native warriors...

2017 Fundraising

Wood Sculptor by Bruce Meurer

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by H. David Wright For any craftsperson, the successful marriage of three-dimensional and two-dimensional disciplines is one of the most difficult hurdles of the creative arts. Buyers at this year's CLA fundraising auction will have the chance to own a unique sculpture by master carver Bruce Meurer that skillfully accomplishes the feat. Meurer executed the piece in basswood, a tight-grained medium favored by professional woodcarvers. Measuring 11" high, the bust depicts a typical warrior of the...

2017 Fundraising

Belt Knife by Mike Davis

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by H. David Wright Mike Davis has produced a fine Woodbury style belt knife for this years action. Mike is a repeat donor, having donated an iron mounted rifle last year that sold very well. This year Mike has turned out a 6 inch bladed knife in a classic frontier pattern. The whitetail antler handle with a poured pewter bolster shows Mike's association with House brothers school of knife making. If you only wanted to carry...

2017 Fundraising

Longhunter’s Knife and Sheath by Heinz Ahlers

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by H. David Wright I have always liked the longknife style. The design choices for a longknife vary from a heavy bladed, thick handled, fighting knife with a cross guard to a thin bladed utilitarian butcher knife style. I believe a longhunter preferred to carry tools that could meet multiple challenges. This longknife seeks to combine everyday utility with a potential for combat. The 9-1/2 inch blade from 1084 carbon steel tapers from just under 1/4...

2017 Fundraising

Wampum Belt by Matthew Bowles

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by H. David Wright In September of 1736, nineteen chiefs from the Six Nations the Iroquois Confederacy arrived at Philadelphia to strengthen the "covenant chain", or traditional alliance, with British officials in Pennsylvania. When Kanickhungo, the chieftan who spoke on behalf of the Seneca tribe, rose to speak, he expressed "Satisfaction in the friendly and good Disposition of you our Brethren, towards all the Indians of the Six Nations." As a record of...

2017 Fundraising

18th Century Folding Knife by Scott Summerville

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Gordon Barlow Scott Summerville makes great knives and razors. He is a staunch supporter of the CLF Auc-tion and has again given us a great folding knife. This is a classic bone handled knife with a 3-1/2 inch blade. Scott hand builds these knives, hand shapes them and heat treats them to per-fection. This knife is a common pattern found around various British posts and encampments from the 1750s through the 1800s. Scott models...

2017 Fundraising

Bowie by Keith Casteel

by Joshua Shepherd with photography by Gordon Barlow Few blades capture the indomitable spirit of the frontier quite like the Bowie knife. It's a fearsome edged weapon that's quintessentially American: rugged, hardy, and better off left alone. In fitting homage to the legendary Bowie as well as the independent spirit it represents attendees of this year's CLA fundraising auction will have the opportunity to own a stunning example of a contemporary Bowie crafted by one of America's top...

2017 Fundraising

The Thomas Lincoln Only Blows Decided Horn by by Tim Crosby & TC Albert

by Tim Albert with photography by H. David Wright As war between Britain and the American colonies loomed, in a letter to his Prime Minister Lord North, King George wrote: The New England governments are in a state of rebe-llion, blows must decide whether they are to be subject to this country or independent... The war is inevitable and let it come! More prophetic words were never spoken, for blows would indeed decide. They would go on to decide again soon...

2017 Fundraising

The John Fraser Project by Gary Tucker, Eddie Rector, Ron Vail, Ken Scott, Heather McClure, and J. Casey McClure

by Heinz Ahlers with photography by Ric Lambert For the upcoming Contemporary Longrifle Foundation Fund Raising Auction to be held at the Annual Meeting in August, CLA members Gary Tucker, Eddie Rector, Ron Vail, Ken Scott , Heather and J Casey McClure have recreated a collection of artifacts based on early frontiersman and trader John Frasers life during the time of the French and Indian War. The John Fraser Project tells a story about an important figure on the early frontier....

2017 Fundraising

Longknife and Sheath by Heinz Ahlers & Joe Seabolt

by Heinz Ahlers Joe Seabolt is generous in his support of the CLA. Not only does he always come up with a donation, he is always willing to help out other folks with the team donations. Joe has 3 items in the auction this year. You may have to hunt for the one patch knife. Heinz Ahlers is the CL Foundation Auction chairman and the oldest apprentice in the Cedar Ridge Apprentice Program. We have included a photo of Joe instructing...

2016 Fundraising

Hunting Bag and Accoutrements by Jack Weeks

Hunting Bag and Accoutrements by Jack Weeks by Heinz Ahlers & Jack Weeks Jack Weeks is a repeat donor to the CL Foundation Auction. Jack is an accomplished maker and a careful researcher. His leather powder funnel with a goose quill spout is a neat and useful addition to the pouch. Here is a description of the Shot Pouch in Jack's own words. "When I start a leather project, after some research, I like to imagine I am creating an item that will...

2016 Fundraising

Youth’s Hunting Pouch and Horn by Ken Scott & Ron Vail

by Joshua Shepherd While a healthy respect for the past is second nature for most blackpowder enthusiasts, passing on that heritage to the next generation is equally important. In a remarkably well executed collaborative effort, CLA artists Ron Vail and Ken Scott have teamed up to produce a distinctive horn and pouch set that captures the poignant significance of inherited tradition. Scott explains how the unique project came about. Last year he was approached by Ron Vail about crafting a matched...

2016 Fundraising

Longknife with Quilled Sheath by Djuana Tucker & Kyle Willyard

by Joshua Shepherd For the average shooter, the annual CLA show in Lexington, Kentucky is always a great place to outfit one's blackpowder rig with a few needed items. A spartan setup of horn and bag will suffice; muzzleloading enthusiasts are, after all, an eminently practical set of folks. But what makes the CLA show singularly unique is its broad selection of museum quality reproductions, a truly remarkable display of fine craftsmanship that constitutes a breathtaking exhibit of the applied...

2016 Fundraising

Folding Knife by Scott Summerville

by Heinz Ahlers The CLF is again privileged to present a Scott Summerville folding knife. In prior years Scott made similar stunning folders for us which commanded a lot of attention Once again, Scott is one of our repeat donors and continues to support the CLF. The folding knife is an authentic accoutrement for the 18th and early 19th centuries. Scott's creation is a beautiful piece in warm brown and gunmetal grey tones. A quality example of a folding knife with...

2016 Fundraising

Cased Pistol by Tom Greco

by Heinz Ahlers and Tom Greco There is always something appealing about a cased pistol set. This one is especially so because Tom Greco has added a touch of the all-American Woodbury School to the a fine American pistol. The flintlock pistol features a .50 caliber cannon barrel and brass guard and thimbles, a sterling silver thumbpiece and a coin silver washers for the lock screws. The barrel and guard are gracefully adorned with engraving by Hershel House and tastefully...

2016 Fundraising

American Hanger by Ian Pratt, Maryellen Pratt, & Joe Seabolt

by Heinz Ahlers This American hanger by Joe Seablolt and Ian Pratt accompanied by a Strap and Baldric by Maryellen Pratt is a hard to find Frontier item. This style of short sword or cuttoe was a fighting weapon, useful to mounted troops and a mark of prestige for officers. Extremely useful in hand to hand combat, their relatively short length is useful in close quarters. The reason they are seldom seen today is not their usefulness, it is the difficulty...

2016 Fundraising

Scout Bag by Bill Smith

by Joshua Shepherd Blackpowder shooters can get by for some time with an average shooting bag, but eventually they'll want to upgrade to the best. In the world of the longrifle culture, Kentucky's own William Smith has established a reputation for fine craftsmanship that has set a benchmark in the field. At this year's fundraising auction, CLA members will have the chance to bid on a distinctive Smith bag that's sure to round out any hunting rig in fine style. Smith's...

2016 Fundraising

Private Cleavland Horn by Lee Cooper

by Heinz Ahlers Scrimshawed powder horns served as useful maps and as journals for the early frontiersman. Dated map horns assist us in picturing a person, place, and time in history. Lee Cooper created this Private Cleavland commemorative horn. This is a fine map horn that is inspired by Private William Cleavland who was killed at Fort Laurens in a British led attack by a large Indian force during the Revolutionary War. Fort Laurens was built in late 1778, and attacked in...

2016 Fundraising

Leather Covered Trunk by Michael Buss

by Heinz Ahlers Mike Buss is one of the CLA Canadian members. The CL Foundation is enthusiastic about his leather covered trunk donation for the 2016 Auction. Mike has been making various styles of 18 and 19th century trunks and boxes for perhaps 25 years and has sold many at the CLA annual show in Lexington over the years. He hand forges the handles and block prints the interior paper lining in addition to building the box and covering it with...

2016 Fundraising