88DB2B94-2DE8-4B22-B702-E79DAF3065AC.jpeg1.28 MB There are times in our lives when life takes an unexpected turn. It's during this time it also gives others the opportunity to lend a hand to help ease that burden even if it's for a brief moment. ***Note*** I did get permission from the person to mention what I am about to post.... As he says "I am an open book" I would like to introduce you to Brian Sherrill...If you went to the Hawkin Classic last year you ran into Brian no doubt, just a sweet heart of a man with wonderful presence about him. He was the guy that mugging the camera with David Wright in the fliers being distributed for this years event. Brian is a husband, father and down to earth fine friend. Brian is also the one that has been fighting cancer, a fight that is never easy to battle, yet Brian still finds the bright side of all things no matter the battle. One night I awoke with a thought, that thought sort of took on a different take and some of the finest people stepped forward to lend a hand.
SO... Here is the deal. We are in the middle of putting together a Full complete set from some of the best artist for auction.... We are in the middle of completing this set but we wanted to start getting the word out there... This is what we have I (Eric VanAlstine) made, a very early style pouch, fully lined and antiqued.
I then was able to get a nice antler handled bag knife from Anthony Hawkins. Andy makes one of the finest knives out there with a profound attention to detail.
Next we went to find a horn, and we were able to get an early style horn from non other than Jeff Bottiger. Jeff is one of the finest craftsman when it comes to building horns, and his work is always in demand. Jeff did some early floral work around the base, fully antiqued, and just beautiful.
Next up Travis Bauer, Chipped in with a fully size Rifleman Knife and sheath. Travis has put together a fine, fine example for that nice big bladed knife. To get one of these knives, well you have to wait in line, and we have one in this set.
Nate Moore out of Ohio provided a nice backwoods style flint wallet. Nate is one of those guys that is deep into the history of leather work, and his work is always top notch. Nate's leather also just happens to match the leather I used for the bag knife.
Larry Callahan the master of tools chipped in a handmade multi tool, a small pair of pliers and a little camp ladle for pouring lead. Larry's work is know widely known for his quality and craftsmanship.
BUT WAIT THERE's MORE.....still coming in is a Pick/Brush/measure set from Matthew Fennewald this little set will be attached to the pouch. If you know anything about Matt, it's his work is always spot on and it always has a very unique look.
We also have Robert V. Scrivener III on tap for a Ball Bag and a spice kit. Robert is one of those artist that has a talent to make anything, with a fantastic folk art twist.
THEN yes, there is more.... Jonah Cain from Midget Forge is going to be bringing a Woodbury style neck knife. Jonah is a talent that is unmatched for his work, style, and he is a fine young man with a heart of gold.
Then Rick Weber with the NMLRA is going to sweetin' up the set with a 3 year membership to the NMLRA!
Kathy Hill, with Cobb Creek Merchants, from Labanon, MIssouri donated a very special Betty lamp made by her husband and coppersmith, Larry Ring. Kathy says that this is one of the last pieces of Larry’s work that she is letting go of, so this is a rare opportunity.
Clint Mitchell has donated a Backwoods Turkey Trumpet with River Cane Mouthpiece harvested from the banks of Elk River. Truly a unique piece!
We will have multiple prizes, starting with the pouch, pouch knife, horn, pick, brush and measure set. Those proceeds will go to Brian and his family to help with the incurred medical bills for his treatment. As a family of artist we can bond together to make a day brighter for another. As additional items come in to make this one-of-a-kind set I will post additional pics. Sets like this from so many different artist do not come around very often, so start spreading the word....make it shareable anywhere. If you have any questions, please drop me or Travis Bauer a line. Until then feast on these pics.
Just wanted everyone to know that the cost of this raffle and the expenses are being donated so that every dollar donated will go to Brian and his family.
I then was able to get a nice antler handled bag knife from Anthony Hawkins. Andy makes one of the finest knives out there with a profound attention to detail.
Next we went to find a horn, and we were able to get an early style horn from non other than Jeff Bottiger. Jeff is one of the finest craftsman when it comes to building horns, and his work is always in demand. Jeff did some early floral work around the base, fully antiqued, and just beautiful.
BUT WAIT THERE's MORE.....still coming in is a Pick/Brush/measure set from Matthew Fennewald this little set will be attached to the pouch. If you know anything about Matt, it's his work is always spot on and it always has a very unique look.
Update from Eric: “I built the pouch. This is a very early style, made with some very nice supple leather, tight stitching, antique harness buckle, and a handmade curly maple button. I then asked Jeff Bottiger to make a horn that would compliment the pouch. If anyone knows Jeff's work they know that it's out of this world beautiful. I then asked Anthony Hawkins for an antler handled bag knife with iron accents to round this set out. I am awaiting something very special with this pouch and it's going to be a pick/brush/measure from a very talented artist by the name of Matthew Fennewald...he's genius when it comes to adding early American accents to any project. Honestly folks someone is going to walk away with one cool set. If you are into the early style of "Kits" this is it. Along the way we have gathered up some of Artists that have pitched in with some of the neatest items around. I hope that you will take a look at some of the pics, and enter the raffle for a great cause for a great guy that is battling the enemy of cancer.... There is a saying that I have kept in mind during this effort..... "Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person"......”
Rifleman’s Knife, Flint Wallet, Camp Tools, and Ball bag and Spice Kit
D876EF5C-B86D-440A-B223-6B2A11E24D7C.png7.55 MB Travis Bauer, chipped in with a fully size Rifleman Knife and sheath. Travis has put together a fine, fine example for that nice big bladed knife. To get one of these knives, well you have to wait in line, and we have one in this set.
Nate Moore out of Ohio provided a nice backwoods style flint wallet. Nate is one of those guys that is deep into the history of leather work, and his work is always top notch. Nate's leather also just happens to match the leather I used for the bag knife.
Larry Callahan the master of tools chipped in a handmade multi tool, a small pair of pliers and a little camp ladle for pouring lead. Larry's work is know widely known for his quality and craftsmanship. 7FDD9CA7-916C-45A7-BA9B-63802D5CF56C.jpeg600.89 KB We also have Robert V. Scrivener III on tap for a Ball Bag and a spice kit. Robert is one of those artist that has a talent to make anything, with a fantastic folk art twist.
Neck Knife, NMLRA Membership, Betty Lamp, and Turkey Trumpet
FE52F540-1954-463D-8EE2-5F2C26B269F5.png8.1 MB Jonah Cain from Midget Forge is going to be bringing a Woodbury style neck knife. Jonah is a talent that is unmatched for his work, style, and he is a fine young man with a heart of gold.
Kathy Hill, with Cobb Creek Merchants, from Labanon, MIssouri donated a very special Betty lamp made by her husband and coppersmith, Larry Ring. Kathy says that this one of the last pieces of Larry’s work that she is letting go of, so this is a rare opportunity.
