Appalachian Bearded Bag

[Shopdog]

While I usually think too much fringe is "cringe" I had a bunch of small scraps of leather I couldn't bare to throw out and wanted to try something based on two originals - one from late 19th century East Tennessee - a Jake Blevins bag noted in John Rice Erwin's book on southern Appalachian guns, the other the Jesse McGlemary bag from Rutherford County, NC (early 19th century).  I've seen a few of this style replicated by more talented contemporary bag makers but I'm wondering if the experts on the forum have seen other original examples of "bearded" bags - if so please let me know.  As far as I know they seem to be a Southern Appalachian thing.  This is a kit I made for a Gillespie rifle a friend made years back.  I wanted something Appalachian to go with it.  The leather is brain tanned deer then dyed with walnut, stitching with linen thread.  The strap is by Pam Hutton and banded horn by Tim Crosby - two talented artists I highly recommend!  Hopefully this bag will accompany me on a bear hunt some day up in North Georgia.  That's the idea anyways.

[T.C.Albert]

Yes, I had one in the shop a few years ago. It was detailed a bit in a Muzzleloader article on the topic done at the time. Neat old bag, but in near relic condition. It was actually rescued from a burn pile as I recall.
Tim A

[DougS]

You did a "real" nice job on this pouch.

Great set, strap and horn really complete it!

Thank you for sharing.

Regards,

Doug

[Marcruger]

That is a beautiful bag, and looks a lot like one I saw at Knoxville last year.  There is a lot of work in there. 
Below is one I made, with the beard on the flap versus the body.  God Bless,   Marc

[Frank Barker]

I love these bags. One of these days I am going to do one for my collection...

Frank

[Greg Pennell]

I love these bags. One of these days I am going to do one for my collection...

Frank

Ditto!

Greg

[Shopdog]

Thank y’all for the responses.  I really like the one you did Marc!  I wonder what the origin of this style is?  Seems southern.  My sons refer to it as a “bruh” aka “bro” bag as it reminds them of something a bearded hipster would wear!  Definitely not me but I have to admit the look of the bag has grown on me.
Cheers
Joe

[ed lundquist]

 I'm stealing that measure it will make me smile every time I load! Swell bag, maybe my boy will make me one for Christmas, hint, hint.

[JohnnyFM]

Looks like you’re ready to shake hands with that bear, ShopDog!

[G. Elsenbeck]

Here's another bearded bag.  I used a picture in Jim Webb's book for reference in 2012. 

 

 

[Shopdog]

Great to see all these bearded bags and top job on those two recreations of the  McGlamary bag!  It is such a distinctive look I would love to know if it was a recognizable “style” back in the day perhaps attributable to a specific area or group of artisans. 
Joe

[Wmasswolf]

Ive only seen the mcclary bag first hand. There seem to have been enough bearded bags to document they were a legit style, but i havent seen any others. There are other fringed bags, but bearded seem to be harder to ducument.

[Spalding]

Never was much a fan of “fringe”, but these bags are beautiful, fellas. Nice work.

Bob