Longrifles (Gordon Barlow)
The Longrifle is an American artform whose history pre-dates the French and Indian War. Its development is the product of talented gunsmiths that have an eye for art. First developed as a utilitarian firearm that, often, included simple relief stock carving similar to that found on furniture made during the period. At the turn of the 19th century the longrifle transitioned to include highly figured maple, cherry and walnut, engraved metal patchboxes, moldings, engraved hardware, raised and incised carving, silver or brass inlays, wire inlays, with gunsmith signatures on the barrel. These longrifles became known as the ‘Golden Age’ works of art.
By 1835, the firing mechanism changed primarily from flintlock to percussion. From about 1850 to 1950 the longrifle was made on a very small scale with most being made for a very small population that enjoyed black powder shooting and hunting.
Shortly after 1950 the longrifle began a resurgence of popularity and small group of gunsmiths began to produce flintlock longrifles that were stocked primarily in maple and decorated. The second half of the 20th century saw a marked increase in the making of what has become known as the contemporary longrifles. So great was trend that the Contemporary Longrifle Association (CLA) was founded based on the mission of “dedication to the artists that create the Contemporary Longrifle and related accoutrements made after 1950”.
Today, CLA artists create very fine longrifles that rivals all artforms found in the world today. Talented gunsmiths that make longrifle art combine wood and metal materials to create outstanding art inspired by more centuries of American longrifle culture. More than 1600 artists and collectors belong to the CLA that holds its annual show and meeting in August each year in Lexington, Kentucky, to display and sell these longrifles as featured in the CLA Virtual Museum. www.longrifle.com
Longrifle by Brad Emig, Hallam, Pennsylvania