Fundraising Archives - Contemporary Longrifle Foundation

Lot 1: Powder Horn by: Brett Davis

In the beginning part of the 19th Century, the horn makers of York County Pennsylvania were making powder horns by the barrel and shipping them out all over the rapidly expanding country. Pennsylvania artist Brett Davis has captured the style of the 3rd generation perfectly. It has a turned cherry base with detailed rope carving and an iron staple to hold the strap.The horn body, with its distinctive two-band engraving, leads to a beautifully turned horn tip with a...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 2: Game Bag by: Darren Modzelewski

This beautiful game bag was made by another one of our New and Aspiring Artists, Darren Modzelewski. Inspired by game bags found in numerous mid to late 18th century paintings of European and American hunting scenes, Darren has put thought and care into every detail. The main bag is hand-stitched with linen thread. The body of the bag is constructed from Wickett and Craig leather, while the flap is made from authentically reproduced 18th century Russian leather and lined...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 3: Knife and Sheath by: Rob Park and Christie Suchora

This sheath and knife set was made by Christine Suchora and Rob Park. Rob hand-forged the knife with a tapered tang, added curly maple scales and sharpened the lightweight blade to a razor’s edge. Christine’s quill work sheath is spectacular! She used naturally dyed porcupine quills and braintan deerhide for the body of the sheath, and embellished with antique rolled brass cones filled with deerhide and original 18th century beads. The leather strap is perfect for handing this set...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 4: Gorget by: Dillon Householder and Will Manire

Heddle Weaving by Will Manire. Trade Silver by Dillon Householder. This collaborative piece was inspired by the famous image of "Mico Chlucco, King of the Muscogulges" as drawn in the journal of William Bartram during his 1773-77 travels in the southeastern frontier of North America. The pattern on the heddle woven strap is taken directly from this image, as is the shape of the silver crescent gorget. They interpret this image as showing two separate objects, which they combined into a...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 5: Hershel House Print Donated by: Hershel House Foundation

"Low Water" This beautiful print was donated by the Herhsel House Foundation. It is a print from an original drawing by Hershel House himself. This is Hershel's interpretation and tribute to Lewis & Clark’s Corp of Discovery. It shows the keelboat being unloaded and pulled by towlines due to low water. Close inspection will reveal that this is a very detailed drawing. A whole host of animals can be seen in and around the expedition, and if you look closely,...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 6: Hunting Bag and Dagger Set by: Terry Smith

This bag made by artist Terry Smith is truly a piece of history. Made from a piece of a coverlet from the 1800’s, it is lined with canvas and features bark tanned deer leather dyed to match the coverlet. Hand-stitched with waxed linen thread, it is hung on a strap made of vegetable tanned cowhide with a forged buckle. As if the bag itself wasn’t enough, Terry has included a beautiful dagger mounted to the back of the bag...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 7: Dueling Pistol Set by: James Horn

In the 18th century, dueling had become a regular part of life as a gentleman in the colonies. While publicly frowned upon, the practice lasted into the first quarter of the 19th century and had a profound impact on some of American’s most influential persons. Ready to defend your honor, this beautiful boxed set of Kentucky-style pistols from James Horn comes with everything a good set of dueling pistols would have included. These .50 cal rifled flintlock pistols are...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 8: Native Pipe by: Donald Shaver

When artist Donald Shaver said he had a donation for the CLF auction that year, the committee was very excited. The native pipe is a compilation of two originals. The body of the pipe, carved from spalted maple and decorated with sinew and deer hair, is based on a Santee original from the Painter Collection published in A Window on the Past Volume 2. The mahogany bowl is a copy of an Ojibwe original photographed by James Blake. When...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 9: Dagger by: Joseph Seabolt

One of the tools that was vital for life on the frontier in the 18th Century was an edged weapon of some kind. Joe Seabolt has created one of the prettiest options you will ever find. This military or gentleman's style dagger is hand-forged from 1084 carbon steel, providing a strong durable blade. He turned the handle from horn and cast the cross guard, ferrule and endcap in silver. This blade is perfectly balanced and is ready for anything!

2026 Fundraising

Lot 10: Painting by: Ken Scott

This Ken Scott painting is his version of the famous work Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanual Leutze. It is done in an early folk art style known as naive and rendered in ink and watercolor. This wonderful piece shows General Washington in the boat with several of his troops as they approach Trenton, seen in the upper left. Behind Washington, the rest of his troops are afloat on the Delaware River moving with him. The entirety is painted...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 11: Sam Brady Set by: Casey McClure, Liz Cecil, William Schneider, and Heather Schneider

The Sam Brady set is a collaboration for the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary war. This set commemorates one of its heroes. This frontier scout and spy gained notoriety as a defender of the western frontier. He was able to dress like natives of the Ohio valley to gain intelligence and rescue captives. This set embodies the spirit of his abilities on the western frontier. Bladesmiths Casey McClure and Liz Cecil worked collaboratively to produce a spike hawk and...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 12: Squirrel Hunt Glass Sets by: Aaron Jenkins

Aaron Jenkins generously offers a set of four beautiful pieces of glasswork! Two glass powderhorns and two flasks make an elegant combination for any blackpowder shooter! Glass powderhorns began to appear in the 1700s but grew popular and more common in the early to mid-1800s. Examples, some still containing powder residue, can be seen in museum collections such as the Corning Museum of Glass and Winterthur. At least one painting shows a gentleman hunting in the Philadelphia area wearing...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 13: Pistol by: Lowell Haarer

This gorgeously constructed and aged flintlock pistol was built by Lowell Haarer. He based his work on pistols from Augusta and Rockbridge County Virginia. The fine piece is stocked in curly maple and features both raised and incised carving, handmade brass fittings, sterling silver inlay and a poured pewter muzzlecap. The lock is a specially modified Chambers small Siler lock, while the .50 cal barrel is a 10” swamped Rice barrel with a 1:20 twist. The gun is accompanied...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 14: Tomahawk with Stand by: David Allen

Every member of the militia in 1775 was required to have an edged weapon - and while some used bayonets or swords, many chose a tool they were familiar with–the tomahawk. David Allen's polled tomahawk is a beautiful example! It has a hand-forged mild steel head with a welded spring steel bit for the cutting edge. The head is mounted on a curly maple handle that has been finished with aqua fortis stain and linseed oil. David added some...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 15: “Traveler” Hunting Bag & Powder Horn

This set is a unique expression of the art, community and history of the longrifle culture. It began as a community engagement activity to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War and muzzleloading culture. The idea was to create a contemporary horn named Traveler that could be taken on adventures, with the travels posted online using the hashtag #traveler1776. John Beck coordinated an amazing group of artists. The cow horn was donated by Gerry Messmer of Powderhorns &...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 16: Rufus Putnum Folk Art by: Paul, Matt, Kai & Gus Fennewald

This 1/3rd scale folk art creation “Rufus” is inspired by Rufus Putnum, a leader in the Continental Army who served from 1775 until the end of the Revolution in 1783. This set commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from England. It is intended to recognize the thousands of Revolutionary War soldiers and celebrate their patriotism and resolve. The base figure was hand carved out of cherry wood and fitted with handsewn wool clothing. Even his hat was...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 17: SOAW Set by: SOAW Artists

This lot is something special! We approached the Southern Ohio Artisans Workship last year about completing a firearm for this year’s auction. SOAW is a collective of experienced artists that pass down their knowledge and experience through classes. Anyone can sign up to learn a variety of early American art skills– including powderhorns and engraving, rifle building and knifemaking. The instructors and students have worked hard and not only put together a gorgeous rifle but a full set of accoutrements...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 18: Painting by: Beckie Mooneyhan

This painting of an American Indian, donated by Beckie Mooneyhan, captures a warrior striped for raiding. His colorful attire is filled with ribbons, beads and silver. The otter hide made into a bag and pipe tomahawk at the ready speak to his warrior status. This painting is beautifully framed and ready to take its place in your office or library!

2026 Fundraising

Lot 19: Powder Horn with Stand by: Steven Kelly

One of our new and aspiring artists, Steven Kelly has put together this beautiful tribute to the sacred Bison that once roamed both the plains of the West and the woods of the East. While bison still can be found west of the Mississippi, by the end of the 18th century, the Eastern Bison had already become a rare sight. Steven started with a bison horn from a bison raised in South Dakota and added a beautifully figured piece of...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 20: Willow Basket by: Vicki Hast

This gathering basket was woven from European-cultivated willow that was raised and harvested on the Hast Farm in Ohio County, Kentucky. The intricately woven willow stems are also used to construct the twisted handle. Vickie Hast has been a basketmaker for over 2 decades and works with the harvested willow, white oak, poplar and hickory to transform natural materials into useful objects.

2026 Fundraising

Lot 21: Knife & Sheath Display by: Verlin Cossel

Each year Verlin Cossel creates a knife, sheath and display for the CLF Auction to help promote our art. His donation this year celebrates both our 30th Anniversary and the heritage of the greatest artists from our history. The display is made with a piece of the original logs and roof from Hershal House’s cabin in Woodbury KY. The elk horn was harvested by Gary McClure and holds one of the CLA’s 30th Anniversary Commemorative coins. The blade was coal forged...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 22: Hunting Bag Set by: Tom & Tommy Greco

This four bag set contains the work of two generations of artists. A ticking lined hunting bag, linen haversack, shooting bag and small belt bag are each hand sewn from cowhide, bark tan deer hide, ticking and linen. But more than just the perfect set of bags to cover every style of shooting, this set also embodies the spirit of the CLF and CLA. Tom Greco, a bag maker of over 40 years, recently started working with his 14...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 23: Pocket Knife by: Scott Summerville

Artist Scott Summerville, a loyal auction supporter, donated this Barlow knife. A very common 18th century design, the Barlow name was written in 2 lines ‘Bar Low’. This knife is made of 1095 high carbon steel. The blade has a typical 18th century spear point tip. The bolster sets off the handles and blade perfectly. The scales are pinned for a lifetime of service. The quality and fit on this knife is more in the officer’s class than the...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 24: Hunting Bag & Powder Horn by: Tim Sanner, Lawrence Fiorillo, & Christine Connolly with Longrifle by: Allen Martin

This collaborative set is the perfect complement to any longrifle. The hand-made pouch by Lawrence Fiorillo is the perfect size. It's big enough to carry what you need for the hunt or shoot, but it still tucks under your arm to stay secure as you navigate through the wilderness. The brindled cowhide and pigskin lining add a decorative touch to a practical tool. The powder horn made and engraved by Tim Sanner features the motto “Liberty or Death”. A...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 25: Hand-Drawn 18th Century Map by: Michael Dotson

In 1776, the burgeoning settlements on the Virginia frontier began to push west. The explorers, long hunters and settlers began to carry their longrifles over the mountains and into the western frontier. This wonderful map by Michael Dotson documents the trails, forts, settlements and landmarks of this area. Carefully hand-drawn with a nib dip pen and ink, and based on 18th century maps, journals and his own research, this beautiful framed map will serve as a treasure for years...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 26: Hunting Pouch by: Shelly Gier & Kerry Masarik

This pouch begins—and rightly so—with the work of Kerry Masarik of Horn and Fiber. The handwoven strap and front panel immediately command attention, with a bold green and natural zigzag pattern in wool and Swedish linen that feels both historic and alive. The design recalls flame embroidery, with a rhythmic movement and precision that can’t be replicated by machine—clear evidence of a practiced, confident hand. It’s not just an accent here—it is the heart of the piece. Shelly Gier of...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 27: Fraktur by: Donna Spangler

Inspired by the 250th Anniversary of American independence and the Pennsylvania German art form known as “fraktur", artist Donna Spangler has created a spectacular piece of art in tribute to those Americans who took up arms and left their homes to secure freedom for us all. The image in the fraktur is made up of three key elements. The Eagle was inspired by the 18th century hand drawn image by an anonymous artist around Berk County Pennsylvania. In his...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 28: Filled Market Wallet by: Women of the CLA

In the 18th century, there were a few ways to carry your personal belongings. One of the most common was to use a market wallet, like this example donated by Mary Brandenburg. You would place anything you wanted to carry into the ends of the bag, twist the bag in the middle and throw the wallet over your shoulder. This wallet is constructed from linen and hand sewn, creating an heirloom. This beautiful wallet also contains a secret: it...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 29: Quilled Hat Band by: Djuana Tucker

Quilled Hat Band by Djuana Tucker During 18th and 19th centuries no self-respecting gentleman, or scoundrel for that matter, would consider venturing into public without a hat. 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 on authentic natural dyes to achieve the orange, yellow, green,...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 30: Sash by: Christine Connolly

This gorgeous sash has been woven and donated by weaver and artist Christine Connolly. Meant to be worn twice wrapped around the waist, this sash will be the perfect complement to your hunting frock! The linen used for the warp of this sash is some of the finest quality thread available for weavers today. The wool used for the weft is 100% virgin Shetland wool, spun in New Hampshire from a blend of Australian fine wool and sturdy New...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 31: Hunting Knife with Sheath by: Andy Winegar

CLA Artist Andy Winegar’s hand forged blade is as robust as the western frontiersmen who carried them. This hunting knife, crafted in the style of the simple butcher knife, will offer years of dependable service. The eight inch, clip point blade is forged from 1095 carbon steel and fitted with curly maple scales and a pewter bolster. The knife comes with a heavy leather sheath fit for such a tough blade. A knife like this is a must have...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 32: Powder Horn by: Robert Brisson

Artist Robert Brisson has put together a classic southern banded horn for this year's auction. This classic horn style can be found from Virginia to Georgia. Robert’s horn features a cow horn body. The base is turned from mesquite, while the bands are turned from bison horn and pinned to the body of the horn. Finished with a beautiful turned and applied horn spout, this horn will be a great fit in any collection!

2026 Fundraising

Lot 33: Hunting Bag & Powder Horn by: Ron Turner & Kyle Lively

Ron Turner and Kyle Lively, two amazing CLA artists,have collaborated on this classic bag and horn combination. The bag, based on an original 18th century belt mounted bag,was enlarged slightly to be more appropriate for shoulder carry. Made from cowhide and hand sewn with waxed linen thread, it was finished off with a beautiful adjustable woven strap. The horn is perfectly sized for this bag. Mounted on its own gorgeous woven strap, it is modeled after the common horns...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 34: Folk Art Hunting Bag by: Scott Bryan

Scott Bryan has put together a beautiful folk art bag for this year’s auction. This classic kidney shaped bag is made from bark tanned deerhide. The flap features a raised floral motif with fringe accents. The interior of the bag is large enough to hold everything you need for the day. It’s also lined with coverlet material. The wide cowhide strap with iron buckle will make sure the bag is supported on your adventures.

2026 Fundraising

Lot 35: Pipe Tomahawk by: Allan Quade

Member Artist Allan Quade has forged a wonderful pipe tomahawk for this year’s auction. Every part is carefully hand forged. The head is mild steel with a forge welded tool steel blade. The eye was carefully punched while the steel was hot and drifted to accommodate a beautiful curly maple handle. Allen then takes the tomahawk to the next level. He forged a pipe bowl and added two brass inlays to the blade. The hawk was fire blued and...

2026 Fundraising

Lot 1: Shooting Rig by: Bob Browder, Ronald Turner, Lisa Williams, Mark Hoover Jr., Jeffery Blazek, and John Rader

Bob Browder and friends contributed an outstanding shooting rig that will get the job done in style. Browder created the richly colored, bark-tanned deerskin pouch. The bag comes complete with the tools of the trade, including a pan whisk and pick by Mark Hoover, Jr. and a handy powder measure by Jeffery Blazek. The set is accompanied with a straightforward and nicely aged powder horn by Ron Turner, as well as a rugged, hand forged hunting knife and sheath...

2025 Fundraising

Lot 2: Tecumseh Powder Horn by: Barbara Smith

Muzzleloading enthusiasts love history, and bidders at this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction will have the opportunity to own a faithful reproduction of a truly historic artifact. Artist Barbara Smith has contributed her contemporary version of the “Tecumseh” powder horn from the collection of the Museum of the Fur Trade in Chadron, Nebraska. This horn features scrimshaw designs faithful to the original, as well as tasteful engraving around the spout. The base plug is made of pine and stained a rich walnut...

2025 Fundraising

Lot 3: Original Acrylic Painting by: Dave Hasler

This year, the CLF Fundraising Auction is pleased to present an original painting by noted historical artist Dave Hasler. The painter is widely known for his accurate and evocative depictions of American history, from the Colonial era to World War II. Hasler’s painting, titled Wrong Place…Wrong Time is an original acrylic-on-canvas, measuring 13 x 19 inches, that’s ready for a treasured spot in your home or office. The piece depicts a lone frontiersman seeking shelter on the lee side of...

2025 Fundraising

Lot 4: Patch Knife and Display Stand by: Verlin and Denise Cossel

Artist Verlin Cossel is a regular contributor to the CLF Fundraising Auction, and his creation for this year’s event is a unique take on a frontier classic. Cossel used high-carbon steel to craft this handy patch knife on a coal forge. The blade sports a richly aged patina and is paired with an antler handle, a poured pewter bolster, and an engraved coin silver butt plate. This handy-sized knife has a 3 ¼” long blade and measures in at 6”...

2025 Fundraising

Lot 5: Engraved Frontier Belt Knife by: Heinz Ahlers and Paul Young

This knife is a collaboration by Heinz Ahlers and Paul Young. The 6 1/2-inch blade was forged at Woodbury in the style of “hammer close to the finish product”. The 1084 carbon steel has been left in its tempered blue color. The blue contrasts nicely with the copper bolster and rivets. Copper was used by native Americans who obtained pure copper ore from deposits on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan. This knife honors that tradition. The bolsters and...

2025 Fundraising

Lot 6: Document Box by: Kerry Masarik, Jeff Gier, Shelly Gier, and Jamie Gier

Document boxes were a staple of every household. Compact and decorative, they offered a way to protect privacy. This item is a collaborative project by Kerry Masarik, Jeff Gier, Shelly Gier, and includes work by Jamie Gier. It began with the concept from accomplished fiber artist Kerry Masarik of Horn and Fiber. She created printed cotton fabric using natural vegetable dyes of cutch and pomegranate. The pattern was printed with handmade blocks, steamed to set the dyes, then rinsed using...

2025 Fundraising

Lot 7: Hunting Bag by: Sarah Miller

For this year’s CLF Fundraising Auction, Pennsylvania artist Sarah Miller has contributed her considerable skills with the creation of an outstanding hunting bag that’s both eye-catching and well-made. The gusseted bag is constructed of richly colored vegetable-tanned cowhide, and is hand sewn with linen thread. The bag features an additional interior pocket and is fitted with iron rings and buckles. Measuring roughly 8 x 11 ½ inches, Miller’s stunning pouch is accented with a contrasting hair-on calf hide panel on...

2025 Fundraising

Lot 8: Whimsical Neck Knife by: Henry Bowman and Jonah Cain

Jonah Cain and Henry Bowman created this whimsical neck knife set for the 2025 Contemporary Longrifle Association annual auction. The double-edged dagger with mastodon tusk man-in-the-moon finial fits snugly inside what appears to be half a John Tansel engraved powder horn smashed to become a knife sheath. The power of good mentors is evidenced in this joint effort. Jonah was the last apprentice to study under Hershel House. Henry studied under Roland Cadle. Both artists attribute their success to these...

2025 Fundraising

Lot 9: Bag, Horn, and Knife Set by: Terry Smith

The bag is made from one piece of bark tanned deerskin (tanned by Larry Callahan), hand sewn with waxed linen thread. It has an interior pocket sewn to the back of the bag. The bag strap is a mixture of deer, vegetable-tanned cowhide, and a piece of original woven strap. The powder horn was made many years ago by Rick Froelich. It is attached to the strap via bark-tanned deer strips. There is an original knife attached to the back of...

2025 Fundraising

Lot 10: Folding Knife: Scott Summerville

This is a Barlow-style knife. A very common 18th-century design. Originally, the Barlow name was written in 2 lines, Bar Low. This knife is made of 1095 high-carbon steel. The blade has a typical 18th-century spear point tip. The bolster is decorated with raised ribs found on some of the better 18th-century folding knives. The scales are aged osage orange, having spent the last 75 years as a fence post.

2025 Fundraising

Lot 11: 3 Signed Prints by: Art Hamley

3 different signed and numbered (limited editions of 100 each) prints. Size 8x11. They are giclee prints of Haudenosaunee warriors. They’re colored pencil originals done from photographs, and I have permission from the photographer to use them as references.

2025 Fundraising

Lot 12: Willow Basket by: Vicki Hast

This gathering basket was woven from European cultivated willow that was raised and harvested on the Hast Farm in Ohio County, Kentucky. The intricately woven willow stems are nicely contrasted with a handwoven carrying strap, made from 8/2 cotton rug warp and wool, which was created on an Inkle loom. The pattern is a Baltic pickup weave. I have been a basket maker for over 2 decades and work more now with the harvested willow, white oak, poplar, and...

2025 Fundraising

Lot 13: Bag and Horn Set by: Tim Sanner and Jeff Luke

The bag and horn set represents a well-made set that could have been carried in the early 1800s in the eastern region of the country. The set was built around a gorgeous, banded horn by Tim Sanner, which serves as the centerpiece for the rig. The horn utilizes a natural gray/green coloration, and features turned horn bands affixed with hardwood pins, and a turned Sapelli wood base plug stained with cherry coloration, in the Berks County style. The finished...

2025 Fundraising

Lot 14: 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...

2025 Fundraising

Lot 15: William D. Smith Tribute Bag by: Shelly Gier

All projects recently came to a halt so that I could complete this in time for the CLF live auction submissions. As previously posted, Bill Smith was a HUGE influence in my leather journey. He taught me all he knew and would generously continue with advice, saying, “We won’t be around forever, and SOMEONE has to take this knowledge to continue the trade.” If I had a question, he never hesitated to help. I decided to add a donation to the...

2025 Fundraising