Judson Brennan: Alaskan Longrifle Artisan: March 2014

Saturday, March 8, 2014

A Sword Walking Stick by Jesse Brennan

From the Author's Collection

A Portrait in Copper of Abraham Lincoln by Jesse Brennan

This superb and artistically rendered portrait of Abraham Lincoln

was recently completed by Jesse. It is mounted on solid Cherry and joins a companion portrait of George Washington in the collection of the author's wife Barbara.

A Stunning New Copper Plaque from Jesse Brennan

This plaque is hand beaten out of 16 gauge copper sheeting by Jesse. It was made for a private collector with strong ties to El Pueblo Viejo who owns an extensive collection of firearms

with documented ties to the Eagle and the Snake.

The Golden Rifle Part 6 Aging and Staining

Aging the Metal, Coloring the Stock

A "High Wire Act"

This is the part of creating the Rifle for which Jud is justly famous. But, there is great risk. One mistake at this point and six years of exacting and painstaking work are wasted!

The Golden Rifle Part 5

Early work on this Rifle:

Progress up until the beginning of staining the wood

and aging the metal parts

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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/