Josh First's Blog

Feeling antique? See you at the 18th Century Artisans Faire

Every February, a bunch of fascinating people gather round to share in their enjoyment of living history here in Central PA. At my age, and at their age, at our collective antique age, it sounds like a big ol’ birthday party social, but in fact there is a lot of cool stuff at the 18th Century Artisans Faire.

Now in its third or fourth year at the Carlisle Expo Center (in Carlisle, PA), all kinds of talented blacksmiths, funnily dressed people, gunmakers, historians, antique tool and furniture makers, jewelers etc will gather tomorrow Friday and Saturday. I will be visiting gunmaker Mark Wheland, who has a 62 caliber percussion rifle project under way for me. Modeled on the 1850s British Sporting Rifle design, with a custom Rice barrel using Forsyth rifling, a beautiful Rod England lock, and stocked in a museum display grade piece of highly figured Turkish walnut, it will be my go-to percussion hunting arm for Pennsylvania’s October antlerless and bear hunting seasons. More on this rifle later, as an article about it is forthcoming when Mark is done.

Simeon England, one of the talented blacksmiths at the show

Hope to see you there tomorrow. And don’t forget that the Great American Outdoor Show at the PA Farm Show complex starts on Saturday. Lot of cool stuff going on here in a very cold time of year.

Andy Curtis