Author Topic: CLA show (Read 9608 times)

Jim Kibler · « **on:** August 22, 2011, 03:40:50 AM »

So, was anyone excited or inspired by what they saw at the CLA show? I know I certainly was. It seems there were a lot of very fine contemporary rifles on display. Seeing all this great work makes me want to try new things and keep trying harder. It seems there is no end to this stuff!

mjm46@bellsouth.net · « **Reply #1 on:** August 22, 2011, 04:28:19 AM »

My first visit to the show. I brought my wife and thought she may have been bored, she loved it and I think it may have rekindled her interest in 18th century lifestyle and clothing. She is anticipating trying to make clothing for men and women, which she did during the bicentennial. So who knows maybe next year we'll have a table. We loved it.

Bill of the 45th · « **Reply #2 on:** August 22, 2011, 05:09:39 AM »

Inspired, Jim, I must have walked by your table at least four times, trying to get a closer look at that fantastic silver mounted fowler of yours, but the crowd was two or three deep. That was some conversation you were having with Allen, about the butt plate casting. That is one Sweet gun. Inspired, yes, awed yes, blown away with the sites, and craftsmanship, and artistry. First time in two years I say Jan Riser without her Nikon.

She was returning an item I'm sure we'll see in the near future on the Blog. And best of all getting a hug from Lally House.

Bill

Larry Pletcher · « **Reply #3 on:** August 22, 2011, 05:23:14 AM »

I am amazed with each visit to CLA, and this year was no exception. The "State of Rifle Building" is certainly sound. My hat's off to the talented folks who packed the place. Can't wait till next year.

Regards,
Pletch

Ben I. Voss · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2011, 05:58:35 AM »

It was my first time at the show- wow! I felt like a six year old on Christmas morning! Very inspiring, to say the least. Two days wasn't nearly long enough.

bama · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2011, 01:42:08 PM »

I was a great show and yes there were many well built rifles there. It is a pleasure being able to show what I build for the show but it is a real treat to see all the other finely crafted guns by the other builders. It was a good show for me. I managed to sell a rifle, picked up some restoration work and an order for a rifle and sold some parts. Celeste had made some beaded items and some quilled items and she sold some of these so she was tickeled.
It is a long was for us to travel but it is worth it because there is not much in the way of good long rifle shows in the deep south.
We are already looking forward to next year.

The only disappointing thing about the show was that I had a lock taken from my table. It is hard for me to believe that one of the memebership is not honest but at the end of the day Friday when I did my inventory of my parts I had one less lock and no money for it.

Next year they will be in a case, but I hate to have to do that.

Dr. Tim-Boone · « **Reply #6 on:** August 22, 2011, 01:54:32 PM »

Absolutely! Got right to work in the shop yesterday!! It was great to see Don Getz and the whole crowd and have dinner with Dennis and Ron and the friends we had brought along to their first CLA.

I saw so many great guns!! and old friends!! Enjoyed the discussions and picked up a few goodies....

Even picked up the huge horn and old pine plank that Woodsrunner had Jim Levy haul up from Tallahassee for me..... Rich when I saw the size of that board I wondered how many tries you thought I would need to make the plug for that horn!!

Actually I am going to use the remainder of the board to make a sign for my shop!! Thanks Rich and Jim!

Order a special bag from Jeff Bibb and got a tremendous course in flintlock diagnostics from LC Rice thanks to Jim Chambers and Barbie Garren. Had a wonderful drive both ways with Len Henry from here in Atlanta.

One thing I liked was seeing more elegantly built guns this year... not just flash but, beautiful pieces of sculpture with a purpose. Inspiring!! That s the word Jim Kibler! Thanks

Sorry about your loss Jim...... That is a bummer for sure. Glad there were lots of positives to compensate.

Don Getz · « **Reply #7 on:** August 22, 2011, 03:21:17 PM »

What was the best thing you saw at the show? To me it was Kibler's fowler, holy smoke, that was good. outstanding.......................Don

keweenaw · « **Reply #8 on:** August 22, 2011, 06:25:11 PM »

Jim Kibler's fowler may have been the best of show. A close second overall and best of show for an American piece would be the wire inlaid and then relief carved longrifle Mark Silver had there. That piece would have gotten a lot more attention if he hadn't had his fancy jaeger on the table also.

Tom

eagle24 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 22, 2011, 06:38:07 PM »

I had a great time as always. Got to bug some folks in person and ask questions. It's like getting my battery charged when I go to the CLA show. I got to work yesterday afternoon on a trigger set. The only negative for me is to see in person how much my ability and my work is lacking. Geez! I have a long way to go.

James Rogers · « **Reply #10 on:** August 22, 2011, 06:43:49 PM »

Jim's fowling piece based on a John Harmon gun was truly inspiring.

Dennis Glazener · « **Reply #11 on:** August 22, 2011, 06:54:14 PM »

Quote

The only disappointing thing about the show was that I had a lock taken from my table. It is hard for me to believe that one of the memebership is not honest but at the end of the day Friday when I did my inventory of my parts I had one less lock and no money for it.

Next year they will be in a case, but I hate to have to do that.

Jim that's terrible to hear. I hate to know that we have someone like that in our midst! I once had one of my books taken (not at CLA show), I saw the guy looking through the book, then someone walked up and was asking me about something else. When I looked back the guy with my book was no where to be seen! I counted the books left and one was missing. Possibly he thought they were free for the taking! but I doubt it. Problem was I didn't see him again and wasn't sure I could recognize him. It wasn't the loss of the book so much as the feeling you get when you know that people would intentionally take something without paying for it!
Dennis

Dennis Glazener · « **Reply #12 on:** August 22, 2011, 06:56:34 PM »

Quote

Jim's fowling piece based on a John Harmon gun was truly inspiring.

I wanted to see that gun but so many around Jim's table Friday I decided to come back. Came back early Saturday morning (before we had to leave) and Jim and the fowler were not there so I missed seeing it. Heard it was a great gun.
Dennis

Fullstock longrifle · « **Reply #13 on:** August 22, 2011, 07:12:01 PM »

Three years ago a friend had an original scrimshawed powder horn stolen from his table at the CLA, very unfortunate.

FK

smart dog · « **Reply #14 on:** August 22, 2011, 07:48:16 PM »

Hi Jim,
I am very envious of all the opportunities you folks have down south to share your work and see originals (old and new). Anyway, I would love to see photos of your fowler if they are available. John Harmon was a great and creative gunsmith and I am sure his work was a wonderful inspiration.

dave

T*O*F · « **Reply #15 on:** August 22, 2011, 07:49:37 PM »

Quote

there is not much in the way of good long rifle shows in the deep south.

Bama,
I used to attend the "indoor rendezvous" that are so popular up north....Kalamazoo, Connor Prairie, Green Bay, Effingham, etc. I thought about organizing one in the Memphis area, but was afraid the startup costs would be prohibitive for a single individual and it might run at a loss for a couple of years.

However, the location is ideal and could easily draw from Southern IL, KY, Alabama, Arkansas, MO, MS, and LA. Getting vendors to commit is another problem, as well as building rental, marketing and advertising, etc.
There is a Civil War show held here every year that is well attended, but nothing for long rifles.

Jim Kibler · « **Reply #16 on:** August 22, 2011, 08:16:56 PM »

Quote from: Don Getz on August 22, 2011, 03:21:17 PM

What was the best thing you saw at the show? To me it was Kibler's fowler, holy smoke, that was good. outstanding.......................Don

You're not trying to turn this thing into a Dixon's competition are you Don! You know what I think about that!

For the record, I worked from a blank and did the engraving.

The engraving, at least, probably shows as well!

On a serious note, I wasn't looking for any more encouragement, but was really just amazed by all the great work. Everytime I'm there, it's a reminder of how much there is to learn.

Thanks for the kind words. I will be getting some photos soon and will post them at some point.

Jim

T.C.Albert · « **Reply #17 on:** August 22, 2011, 08:39:28 PM »

What a show....my head is still spinning...along with all the great gun work made and displayed by the members, I hope you all got to see Andrew Jackson walking the aisles as he promoted the 2012 "War of 1812" commemorative auction for next years show...it really seems to keep getting better and better...but the theft mentioned does bother me...was any mention of it made to CLA officers etc..? If not it should be.
TC

Gene Carrell · « **Reply #18 on:** August 22, 2011, 11:44:54 PM »

Fourth year for me and it just gets better and better.

Bill of the 45th · « **Reply #19 on:** August 23, 2011, 03:30:17 AM »

Here's Andrew

Bill

Odd Fellow · « **Reply #20 on:** August 23, 2011, 04:42:45 AM »

Sad to hear you lost a lock Jim.

I cant believe anyone would have done that.

I very much enjoied the show saturday! Great fun! It was almost too much to take in!

G-Man · « **Reply #21 on:** August 23, 2011, 03:38:47 PM »

It always amazes me when you walk through that show - so many great contemporary and antique pieces on display.

Jim K - the Harman-inspired fowler is, in my opinion (not that that means much

), the best contemporary interpretation of a fine mid-18th century London fowler I have ever seen. Of course I love the original that inspired your work, but in this case I really want to emphasize how great your interpretation is. I can't begin to imagine how many hours you have in that great fowler. It really demonstrates a mastery of the full spectrum of gunmaker's skills. I will leave it at that as I would imagine at some point you will want to tell us more about what it involved. I hope that perhaps you documented the build as it was in progress.

Great show guys - Jim P - sorry to hear about your lock. That stinks. One of the best things about these shows is how generous and open people are about sharing their collections with everyone, and I sure would hate to see the show lose that openness on account of security concerns.

Tim - I missed you again this year. I picked up a set of hand made Tennessee style triggers that were on Jack Hubbard's table and I think it is a set of Myron's - you never know what you will find there. I spent 2 whole days and still did not have enough time to see everything on everyone's tables.

Also - Thanks to everyone who let us photograph rifles. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Guy

Dennis Glazener · « **Reply #22 on:** August 23, 2011, 04:12:10 PM »

Quote

Tim - I missed you again this year. I picked up a set of hand made Tennessee style triggers that were on Jack Hubbard's table and I think it is a set of Myron's - you never know what you will find there. I spent 2 whole days and still did not have enough time to see everything on everyone's tables.

Guy, I bought the other set, not so TN looking but well made, started to buy the TN but figured someone else would want them for a TN rifle. Should have mentioned them to you. Nice triggers at a great price!
Dennis

J. Talbert · « **Reply #23 on:** August 23, 2011, 10:04:13 PM »

Jim,

I was there two days, but somehow managed to miss your fowler. Apparently, a big mistake, from what I'm hearing hear. I know I was by there at least once earlier than
when I saw you on Sat., but didn't see it.

Maybe it was traveling. Did Jan take any pictures?... I hope!

Jeff

Jim Kibler · « **Reply #24 on:** August 24, 2011, 12:53:49 AM »

Jeff,

The fowling piece had already been delivered to it's customer by Saturday. I should have some photos in the near future and will be happy to share them.

Guy,

No, I didn't document the process. I don't want anything to remind me of all the work and frustration!

Thanks again for all the kind words.

Jim

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Author Topic: CLA show (Read 9608 times)

mjm46@bellsouth.net

keweenaw

eagle24

Odd Fellow