Does anyone know?

[Flinter]

I bought this bag in 1992 in Friendship, Indiana. Does anyone know who made it? It has a copper tag on the inside with Brooks engraved on it, and there is a J B stamp on the rear strap that has four circles around the initials.  I contacted Jack Brooks, and he said he did not build it.

http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=45251915.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=12629770.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=30007448.jpg

Anyway, here is my story. In 1992, I attended Friendship, Indiana to look for a gunsmith to build a flintlock. If this is the correct year there was a great flood at Friendship, and all the custom gunsmiths had left because of the high water. I contacted a master gunsmith before I attended the gathering, so I was expecting to see some of his work there.
The next year my family took another vacation and went to his house. After looking at his work I told him to build me a rifle. For about eight years I called and sent him letters once a year asking about my project and he always would tell me he was working on museum pieces. He would get to my project soon. I was planning on contacting him this April, but I found out he passed away, so I am planning on getting another gunsmith to build me a John Bonewitz rifle. 

The bag has been hanging in the closet all these years waiting on a rifle.

ETA
I have some good news. I ordered a custom powder horn to go with it this week.
Now, if I just had a rifle...

Mike 

[C Wallingford]

That bag appears to one of Jim Brooks' bags. Jim was from Tennessee and is now retired, I believe, in Alabama. He made some very nice bags. He was usually set up in the primitive area at Friendship

[Flinter]

Thanks cwallingford

I have only been to Friendship one time. Mr. Brooks was set up in the primitive area, so that has got to be him. I remember there were about five guys shooting flintlock rifles up the hill past the primitive area. My family and I walked up there to fifty or so yards away from em and watched them shoot for about 45 minutes. I wanted to go over and ask them some questions and maybe shoot one of their rifles. The way they were dressed it looked like they just came out of the 1750s, and I was wearing blue jeans. I figured they would tell me to leave, or I am not supposed to be in this area. I kinda regret not talking to them. I have been shooting muzzle loading rifles since 1989, but I have never shot a flintlock. Now, I guess I’m looking for a gunsmith to build me a rifle since Ron has died.

Mike

[keweenaw]

If you want a really nice Bonewitz, call Mark Wheland at 814-832-2785.  He does as nice of Bonewitz as you could possibly want. Here are some photos at his website. http://www.markwhelandrifles.com/wommelsdorf-bonewitz.html

[Flinter]

Thanks snyder

I have contacted several gunsmiths, and Mark is my second choice. I think he has the John Bonewitz rifle idea better than anyone else. In Mark’s e-mail response he said,... “I would be happy to discuss this with you in greater detail. I would be interested to see what details appeal to you in each of these rifles.” I think this is very interesting, because he has a desire to build a rifle the way I want it.

There is nothing like shooting a fine firearm built by a master gunsmith.

I wonder if it would be OK if I post a pic of my powder horn and sash on this thread when I get it. 

Mike

[Roger Fisher]

Thanks snyder

I have contacted several gunsmiths, and Mark is my second choice. I think he has the John Bonewitz rifle idea better than anyone else. In Mark’s e-mail response he said,... “I would be happy to discuss this with you in greater detail. I would be interested to see what details appeal to you in each of these rifles.” I think this is very interesting, because he has a desire to build a rifle the way I want it.

There is nothing like shooting a fine firearm built by a master gunsmith.

I wonder if it would be OK if I post a pic of my powder horn and sash on this thread when I get it. 

Mike

H      Yes!

[Flinter]

Thanks Roger

I got my sash or horn strap in last week, and I’ll tell ya, it sure looks better than the trotline string on my old powder horn. I called the horn maker Tuesday, and he said it should arrive towards the end of the week. Since the horner is not a paying member, I may not be able to mention his name. I will talk to Ken Guy about this before I post.

Mike

[David Rase]

[quote  I was planning on contacting him this April, but I found out he passed away, so I am planning on getting another gunsmith to build me a John Bonewitz rifle. 
Now, if I just had a rifle...
Mike 
[/quote]
Mike,  You were hot on the Bonewitz path when you mentioned Jack Brooks.  Jack builds a great bonewitz rifle.  In fact, He has one for sale on his web sight.  Don't know how current his web sight is, gun could be sold.
http://www.jsbrookslongrifles.com/riflessundriesforsale.htm
DMR

[mr. no gold]

DMR is right on about Jack Brooks and Bonawitz rifles. He has access to originals, so his work is excellent. He did have one for sale as of last fall, and I was privileged to handle it and look it over; a beautiful piece of work. It is fairly priced as I recall, and if he still has it, ready to go.
Dick

[Flinter]

I contacted a gentleman and asked him about building me a powder horn, and he said, “I only build horns that look antique.” That’s fine, but I want one that looks new. I think I have found a gunsmith that will build a rifle the way I want it. If this deal falls through, I may contact Jim.

Hey guys, I got my powder horn in yesterday, and it looks fantastic. The deer hide is out of the freezer, it will be soaked in some lime water today, and then I will make a throat attachment to affix the sash. I will post some pics of it when I get that done.

I noticed on my old powder horn that there is some small holes and tunnels where something has bored into it. Have any of youse guys heard or saw anything like this?


Mike

[Flinter]

The powder came in last week. I plan on sending it back to Robert; letting him put my name on it and attach the strap with leather.



A few horn pic links.

http://img57.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1link.jpg

http://img2.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2link.jpg

http://img2.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3link.jpg

http://img2.imageshack.us/my.php?image=4link.jpg


Mike