Judson Brennan: Alaskan Longrifle Artisan: September 2011

Monday, September 19, 2011

Late Lehigh County Style Rifle by Seth Brennan

Late Lehigh County smoothbore by Seth Brennan. 20 gauge. Inspired by rifles and smoothbores by Herman Rupp.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Interpretation of an Isaac Berlin Rifle by Jud Brennan

Note: The lock is being repaired.

John Newcomer documentary copy by Jud Brennan

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Lehigh County documentary Rifle by Jud Brennan

This is a documentary copy of an early Lehigh County Rifle.

Documentary copy of Casper Mansker Rifle by Jud Brennan

Jud Brennan created this documentary copy of Thomas Simpson's famous Casper Mansker Rifle in a left handed version for a private collector.

American Colonial Motifs in a rifle by Jud Brennan

This rifle represents a celebration of American Colonial Ironwork and Wood Carving Motifs as interpreted and incorporated by Jud into a flintlock with early period styling.

Judson J. Brennan was born in Lansing Michigan where he developed an interest in early American longrifles, especially the beautiful and artistic flintlock rifles that were hand made by artisans during the Golden Age of American frontier craftsmanship.

Thanks to the friendship and encouragement of mentors like Roy Keeler, as a young man Jud was able to actually handle and inspect the construction, and the proportion and balance of original Pennsylvania Kentucky rifles. He then set out to teach himself the techniques required to build, carve and engrave contemporary examples of these rifles. His work has been featured in many books and articles on the craft and artistry of these tools of the American pioneers.

In 1985 Judson fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Alaska where he settled with his family on Tenderfoot hill, 29 miles North of Delta Junction Alaska.

It is here that he built his house, his workshop, and his forge and it is here that he and his sons Jesse, David and Seth produce handmade historical arms and accoutrements in the traditional manner.

The purpose of this blog is to illuminate the beautiful and artistic works of this unique Alaskan family.

The author is collaborating with Jesse Brennan to present a new website for his work:

http://jessebrennanartsmith.blogspot.com

The author of this blog is Peter Marshall. He is a family physician in North pole, Alaska and has known Judson and his family since they arrived in Alaska in 1985. The author has a companion blog featuring his explorations around the State of Alaska.

It is called:

"Adventures of an Arctic Pilot" and it can be found on the web at:

http://k-syrahsyrah.blogspot.com/