Traditional Craft

Up Close and Personal with an RW Wright Flintlock Pistol from 1977

The pistol features a 54 caliber swamped barrel, but from the looks of the rifling, this was once a rifle barrel or section of a rifle barrel. Having shot it several hundred times, at NMLRA events, Max says it's quite accurate.

Building a Lancaster Flintlock with Bill Raby | Part 66

Bill Raby is nearly done building his Lancaster Flintlock Rifle. This in depth series seeks to give you a real look at longrifle building from start to finish. Bill is doing a great job sharing this process. If you are wanting to build your first muzzle loader, or your 10th, give this series a watch!

An All Around Gun | Building a Swivel Breech | Muzzle Blasts Archives

The idea for this gun came to me on a deer hunting trip in November 1985, while canoeing down the flooded Muscata­tuck River in southern Indiana in pursuit of whitetail. I had seen several does, but no bucks. It seemed, however, that in every other tree there was a squirrel. Normally, our gray and fox squirrels are very shy, but a week of being trapped by floodwaters had made them careless.

Frank House on executing Engraved Script

Frank House originally shared this post on the CLA facebook page

Alright Engravers,

Time to take a big next step in grasping the concept of executing script engraving.....

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First of all, it's important to understand the concept of shading... this where the Art of engraving comes to the fore.

Executed deftly, the work has that wonderful, yet subtle "Pop" that even great calligraphy can't quite match.

This next exercise is learning to draw your characters as if you would engrave them.... in other words, refine your script as if it is finished, shaded and detailed.

Script is basically cut from two directions, up-cuts and down-cuts, taking advantage of ones natural ergonomic abilities. Simply stated, it's far easier to control your cuts if executed on a outside arc than one on a inside arc, therefore the work is accomplished from two directions(photos).

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The graver is started vertical and rolled away to the outside of the cuts as one proceeds, rolling the graver both back vertically and out to finish the cut, accomplishing the shading on curved cuts.

Vertical cuts are somewhat simpler.

Gradually allow the graver to consistently cut deeper until the finished depth and result are achieved.

The exercise here is to draw and lay-out your design as if you were engraving it. Incorporate the shading, incorporate the up and down cuts as you lay your work drastically speeds the process and helps one to grasp the concept.

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I'm certain folks will have questions, I'll do my best....

Stay with me, we'll get there.

Upwards and onwards!

How to make a Cow's Knee Lock Cover for your Flintlock Muzzle Loader

How to make a Cow's Knee Lock Cover for your Flintlock Muzzle Loader

This week we're going to be making this leather cow's knee or lock cover to keep our flintlock dry while we're out in the woods. This is a relatively simple project that took me just over an hour to put together from start to finish.

The Craft and Art of Gary Birch | Muzzle Blasts Archives

Gary Birch is a self-taught artist whose works appear in private and museum collections around the country. Leaving a Ph.D. Program in physiological psychology in 1969, Gary began making things with his hands “to work on ideas that had been neglected too long.” Consequently, he has created scores of one-of-a-kind art objects in a variety of media

How to make a Flint Wallet with Jeff Luke | Craftsman's Corner #1

How to make a Flint Wallet with Jeff Luke | Craftsman's Corner #1

In this first edition of Craftsman’s Corner, I’ll walk you through creating a basic leather flint and tool wallet. This piece will be a handy addition to your hunting or shooting pouch and allow you carry a few extra flints, some cleaning patch material, and a couple of basic cleaning/maintenance tools while afield or at the range with your trusted flintlock.

The European Powder Flask by Carl Dumke | Historically and Economically | Hornguild.org

This week's episode comes straight from our time at the 2020 Horn Fair with the Honourable Company of Horners. Listen as Carl Dumke, Master Horner, gives a wonderful presentation on the European Powder Flask. This hour-long presentation is packed with information and history on an often overlooked subject.

Patroning the businesses of the Kalamazoo Living History Show during the COVID-19 Outbreak


Suppliers of Historic Merchandise

Apple Cart Creations - Hand spun, hand knit and woven items. Linsey-Woolsey material and clothing, 18th Century Children's Clothing, Jeff White Knives, etc. Check us out onFacebook Or our website ,or call us at 765-210-4080

Backwoods Tin Shop Fine Handmade Tin, Copper and Stainless Steel reproductions of the 1700'ss and 1800's.

Beaver Buckets Cooperage, Specializing in Making Handcrafted Historical Reproductions of Wooden Buckets, Butter Churns, Civil War and War of 1812 Canteens, Kegs, Washtubs, Washboards, and Yokes.

Blue Creek Traders - 308-778-6938

Boxmaker David Pitney - 419-303-9316

Brandenburg Store House -  For all of the components needed to make cool Woodland Indian stuff; silk ribbon, hand-rolled cones, prisoner ropes and collars, hemp and nettle cordage, beads, buttons, etc.

Carl Giordano - Tinsmith An Eminent Assortment of Tin Ware Executed in the Best Manner--Reproduction Tin Ware for the Reenactor and Home Decorator

Cobb Creek

Cousin Dave Silversmith - Also on Facebook

Crazy Crow Since 1970 - Complete line of Native American Indian and Mountain Man arts, crafts, craft supply & craft kits. Your Indian Powwow or Mountain Man Rendezvous, dance, camp & shooter craft supply source. 104 page full-color catalog - order online.

Dancing Weasel Silver - Contact me directly (Peg Francisco on Facebook or IM) or email me at azwidget@toast.net

Dancing Crane Soaps and Sundries - Handmade Soaps, Lotions/Balms/Salves, Body Butters and Scrubs, Lip Balms, Sage Bundles, Sweet Grass Braids, Abalone Shells, Fabric, etc. 

Darrel Lang - Leather from the Past

DeLaRonde Forge Professional Blacksmith, Hand Forged Knives, Tomahawks, Axes and Spurs.

Eagle Talon Traders

Flintlocks LLC - Call us at 317-683-5102 or email at sales@myflintlock.com Flintlocks LLC on Facebook

Flying Heart Millinery - Shop at Flying Heart Millinery on Etsy March 20th through March 23rd and get 10% off with the discount code: KZOO20. Email - flyingheartmillinery@yahoo.com. Facebook

Four Seasons Tent Masters - For tents, tin, and herbs Tony and I can be reached at Www.fourseasonstentmasters.com, and HiddenCreekinllc.com .
Or by email tonyr@provide.net or fourseasonstentmasters@comcast.net

Gentry Gourds - Shop on Etsy

Images of the Past - Knives, Celtic Jewlrey(Ortak), limited supply of Indian War period Clothing. Etc. 715 551 6851 glazner2@aol.com

Grandma’s Soap and Stuff

Handmaids Handmade Soaps - On Etsy or email jennyshandmaids@hotmail.com

J & S Gier Artificers

Jesie S Pottery

Kannik's Korner Publishers and Designers of Carefully Researched and Documented Historical Clothing Patterns and Related Books. Patterns are Well Illustrated, with Complete Written Directions. Specializing in 18th and Early 19th Century.

Kelly James Art - Also on Facebook

Kenockee Tradin’ Post - Also on Facebook

Kentucky Leather and Hides 270 369 8474 Call, I will do sales and discounts like I would at the show.

K L Custom Weaving

L&R Lock Precision Built Mechanisms Include All the Features You've Come to Expect From the Number 1 Lock Manufacturer in the World Today

Medicine River Trading Company Recreating the History of America 1700-1900

Middlesex Village Trading Co Suppliers of Flintlock Muskets, Pistols and Accessories as Well as Swords and Other Edged Weapons.

N. Barber Artificers - I will have everything I made up for the Kalamazoo show posted on Facebook in the next couple of days.

Northwest Traders - 5055 West Jackson Rd Enon Oh 45323. 937 308 1591 Handwoven blankets, Beaded goods, Quillwork, Leather goods. E mail pmueller@nwtrader.com

Pack Saddle Shop All Your Backcountry Packing Needs for Outfitting Your Horse, Mule or Donkey

Panther Primitives The Best Historical Tents Historical Reproduction Tents

Peter Townsend’s Irish Collection

Richard Heinicke Blacksmithing Experience CUSTOM Crafted Blacksmith Ironwork Using Centuries Old Techniques: Fireplace and Campfire Tools, Reproductions, Kitchen Hardware, Lantern and Candle holders

River Crossing Inc. River Crossing is a Company that Specializes in Historic Presentations and Period Clothing, and is the Result of the Joining of Two Established Companies, Rolling Thunder Ranch by Mike Guli, and Miss Tabitha’s by Sharon Moore.

Romantically Bent Clothing - Visit them on Facebook, or call (614) 282-3578

Samson Historical - We will be offering free shipping on EVERY order. So if you were planning on attending and making a purchase, you can still make your purchase and spend $0.00 to ship it! Facebook

Sheldon Pewter - Also on Facebook

Smoke and Fire Co. - 1-800-766-5334 So far we still are planning on the scratch and dent sale at the store in Waterville March 28.

Smoking Iron Alterations Smoking Iron Web Ste with Directions to the Shop, Contact Information and Catalogue of Historical Clothing and Equipment.

Spring Valley Lodges - springvalleylodges@comcast.net

Stone Edge One of the Finest Bowyers, Arrow Makers and Flint Knappers Currently Working in the Native American Tradition

Swamp Fox Knives Maker of Fine Knives and Accouterments for the 1750-1865 Living Historian, Collectors, Museums, and Film Productions.

TDC® - Cash Manufacturing Co Inc - The company offers brass Cappers; Gun Hangers; Funnels; Powder Measurers; Ramrod Pipes; Nosecaps; Survivalist Items; Trekker Lanterns; a variety of brass, German Silver and copper Boxes; and many more items for the discerning shooter/hunter. The new and improved Universal Straightline Capper, Swivel and Flip Top powder measurers are much sought items. 608-849-5664; office@TDCMFG.com; or visit the website for a full array of the product line at www.TDCMFG.com

The Quartermaster General Purveyors of fine quality, historically accurate, replica civilian clothing, military uniforms, and equipage for reenactors.

The Stitchers Cabin - 937–857-9745.

The Carrot Patch Farm - Also on Facebook

V.C.R. Inc. Offers a Variety of Authentic Cross-Frame Furniture Replicated from the Roman Time Frame, 18th Century, Fur Trade, and Civil War. If you are Looking for Correct Furniture for Your Living History Camp You Can Find it Here

Wandering through Time 

Wm. Booth, Draper, At the Sign of the Unicorn Merchant Specializing in Flax and Hemp Linens, Wools, Books, Patterns, and Notions including Linen Thread, Wool Braid, Gold Lace, Silk Ribbon, Linen and Cotton Tape, Sleeve Buttons, Thread Buttons, Knitting Wool, Samplers, Sewing Accessories

Associations

The Coalition of Historical Trekkers

The Company of Fifers & Drummers The Company of Fifers & Drummers is the Leading Organization of Fife and Drum Corps, with Members throughout the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and Europe. They Own and Maintain The Museum of Fife & Drum and an Extensive Music Library and Archives.

Michigan State Muzzle Loading Association

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association

National Rendezvous and Living History Foundation Dedicated to Making Our National Rendezvous the Best Events in the U.S

Northwest Territory of the N-SSA The NWT is One of the 12 Regions of the N-SSA, Based in Michigan. The N-SSA is a Civil War Firearms Competition Fired by Teams Representing Actual Units from the American Civil War.

Military Groups

The Massachusetts Provincial Battalion - If interested in giving ling history a try, getting into a wonderful family hobby, check us out, the Best in Battle Reenacting.

Making a Supply Horn | Honourable Company of Horners Annual Horn Fair 2020

In this video we stop by Mr. Hoover’s demonstration area as he works a “supply horn”. This horn was used by families or military regiments on the frontier to store a large amount of black powder for safe traveling. While in the early stages, Mr. Hoover shares his process with us as he carves the spout to this horn

An original Jacob George | Kentucky Rifle Foundation

We’d like to thank the Kentucky Rifle Foundation for sharing this beautiful Jacob George rifle with us on facebook.

“Jacob George, 1793 to 1850, son of Henry George a gunsmith, both of Greenwich Township, Berks County, PA. This is a signed and dated rifle so look at the rifle and try to guess it's age before you read the date. This rifle a a great example of his work, probably one of the best. It's hard not to appreciate all the work that went into this example.”

Be sure to check out The Kentucky Rifle Foundation website for more of these great Kentucky Rifles.

Duelist 1954 Reviews : “Building the Daniel Boone Rifle” DVD

In this video I'll review what I think is the best video resource for building a flintlock longrifle...Mike Miller's DVD set on building the Daniel Boone Rifle.