Hey Folks, Henry called and ask me to try and clear this up. Yes, the CLA is hosting another "Antique Arms" section at our meeting August 14th & 15th at Heritage Hall, in Lexington, Kentucky. The "Antique" section of the Contemporary Longrifle Association is in no way sponsored by, nor an event of, the Kentucky Rifle Association. The KRA is very strict in their focus's on what is classified as a "Kentucky Rifle" and it's accouterments, with nothing else being allowed at their annual show. Membership in the KRA is by invitation only, and initiated by a sponsoring mentor and a supporting second, both of which must be long term members of the KRA. At their show a maximum of three contemporary items are allowed on the table and must be signed and dated. And...be a minority of items exhibited.
However, the KRA is a very important sister organization of the CLA and have supported our endeavors with an exhibit at our show for many years. Many KRA members are also CLA members, yet many other KRA members have no interest in contemporary items in the least.
Last year and again this year the Kentucky Rifle Foundation is presenting a fantastic educational exhibit of rare and exquisite original Kentucky rifles. It will be an opportunity for students of the Kentucky rifle to see important antique American Longrifles that are not commonly brought out in public.
However, the Antique arena at the CLA is much broader in scope than the KRA and includes anything that can be found in a contemporary form being made by our membership. A few of this upcoming years antique exhibits includes: Tom Grinslade"s American Fowler's, Dave Wiesenburgs fantastic swords, I believe the German Jaegers will be back, the Whitley House Historic Site is once again bringing Wm. Whitley's Jacob Young rifle and fantastic powder horn, Tom Patton will be there with the "Free Born" rifle along with his great French musket collection. Jim Routh's powder horn collection will be on exhibit, and Brian LaMaster is bringing his newly discovered, "Boone Rifle". These are just off the top of my head and I know there are others that I'm just not remembering or am not aware.
These antique items are the very roots of what the Contemporary Longrifle Association is all about. Their presents at the show provides an education for contemporary artist that can be achieved in no other way.
Hope to see you in Lexington !