The show was quite good and featured numerous artisans. Some were woodworkers, other metalsmiths, some gunsmiths, numerous engravers and of course, the CLA.
Though there were at least three other tables that featured muzzleloaders, six tables were clustered together for the CLA crowd. Jim Chambers was there along with Jack Brooks, Mark Silver, Ron Scott, and swivelgunsmith David Price. Jack Brooks had a 2/3 scale longrifle which he made for a relative (lucky kid). Mark hauled out his rifle which was influenced by the one Wallace Gusler recently wrote about. As usual, it had Mark's flawless workmanship. Ron brought out a jager with a damascus barrel. It had a very light translucent browning and Ron told me it took about 20 coats to get it right. He said it took about six coats before the damascus started showing up and the final coats before he got the desired results. Little wonder Ron was featured in Three Centuries of Tradition. David Price had four of his swivel guns out and they were very handsome indeed. I might just buy a kit from him. The sixth table had numerous CLA exhibits consisting mostly of scrimshawed powder horns.
Off to the side away from the CLA was Greg Murry of Leipers Fork. Liepers Fork is a historic village ala Bedford Village. Greg is largely self trained and he brought out a flintlock which featured a waterproof pan. The unique thing about his lock is that he hand made the lock. Yow!
While at Greg's table, I met Dan Hartzler who collaborates with James Whisker to produce all those numerous books which are photographic essays of guns from a certain locale or time. Had I known he was going to be there, I would have hauled all my books up for him to autograph. Still, he gave me some advice about publishing that is helpful. Thanks Dan.
Jerry Huddleston was also there. Jerry is a noted engraver & gunbuilder and he's demonstrated at several of the Oregon Gun Makers' Fair. Jerry was examining the engravings of others and remarked to me that it is good to study others so as to humble oneself and to keep learning. What advice from a master engraver.
I also spent time at the miniature table of the Kucer (father & son) gunsmiths of Montreal. The father had been trained as a tool & die maker before he turned to miniatures. The son was in the aviation industry, grew tired of it and learned under the father. Both are accomplished. They had a cutting bit they made to make one gun so their trade requires making the tools when pre-made one's aren't available. They also rifle their barrels and color case harden some guns (if historically correct). While color case hardening isn't unique, to get it right in 1/3 scale is. They showed me a 50 round Thompson SMG drug and opened it up. It had all the parts the big one has and it was engraved with the markings of the big one. A cased Colt revolver included a working powder flask. That sucker could actually hold powder and dispense it. They made a mold for the two halves and then soldered the halves together. Amazing!
