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For more information about the auction or CLA: Contemporary Longrifle Association
Join the CLA Today By Heinz Ahlers
During our second year of commemorating of the War of 1812, the 2013 CLA Fund Raising Auction promises to be another significant event. Twenty-five generous CLA artists have stepped forward to create their art and donate it to be auctioned at our Annual Meeting and Show on August 17, in Lexington, Kentucky.
Everyone is in for a real treat. Not only will you be getting an advance preview of the 2013 fund raising auction items here, but you will have an opportunity to get to know these artists, learn a little about them and how they created this fine array of items for the auction. Individual works will be added to this site as they are received, so visit often to see these new exciting creations.
Jerry Eitnier Knife & Sheath
By Heinz Ahlers
Indiana gunmaker, Jerry Eitnier has been involved in the sport of muzzleloading for more than 40 years. He joined the National Muzzle Loading Association in 1973, and later became a charter member of the Contemporary Longrifle Association in 1991.
In 1987 he built his first longrifle. Influenced by Hershel House’s work, he builds guns as he terms them in the style of “the Hershel House Woodbury School” with iron mounted guns being his specialty. Jerry wryly comments, “Sometimes I work on the far side of this school. Some of my work is a little different.”
He has studied under some of the most noteworthy artists in the field, taking five years of classes at the Annual Traditional Arts & Arms Making Workshops at Conner Prairie Living History Museum in Fishers, IN. There he was taught by gunmakers Hershel House, John Schippers, Mark Silver and blacksmith Melvin Lytton and others. Additionally, he’s had the opportunity to work with Frank House down in southern Illinois. Jerry is quick to credit others for his success, “Most of what little I know I learned by doing but so many people have helped me along the way and I can’t thank them enough.” Today, besides building firearms he has broadened his talents into the arts of blacksmithing, crafting knives and making powder horns.
Fellow CLA member and gunmaker, Mark Thomas has this to say about Jerry’s work; “He likes to forge the iron for the hardware on his iron mounted rifles but he is also capable of making other items in his blacksmith shop. Most of his blacksmith work is for his own projects but once in a while he will offer some things for sale or take in an occasional order. He may have a knife or two, an axe or maybe just trigger guards and butt plate.”
Jerry’s knives and horns are like his rifle guns; “built to be safe and to be used”. The CLA is fortunate to have one of his knives donated by Jerry for this year’s Fund Raising Auction. It’s a small belt knife of a convenient, easy to carry size that will do about anything that you would ask of a good knife. Hand forged from 1080 steel with the look of frontier blacksmithing, this knife is meant to use and should hold up well. It comes with a handsome, well-crafted sheath.
Jerry has generously donated his art to support this year’s auction because, as he says – “in return for all the support and help I have received over the years from other CLA artisans.”
Jerry’s contact information is below. His website is well worth a visit.
Jerry Eitnier Box 125 Hillsboro, IN 47949 765-798-3525 Email: Ike47949@yahoo.com To see more of Jerry’s work, visit his website: http://www.eitnierrifles.com
Click here to see more images of the Jerry Eitnier Knife & Sheath
The photo and text used here are from the CLA article with the same name. The sole purpose here is to benefit the CLA Auction in August. — editor