Before the 2015 NWTF Grand Nationals I had a talk with Mr. Allen Jenkins, about the newest category in the Grand National Contest which was a reproduction category. I had asked him about making a reproduction of the Old Big Chief, since this year would celebrate the 60th anniversary of the call made famous by M.L.Lynch. I explained that I never held one in my hands and never really saw one in person, but would love to try to make one for the contest. He gave me permission as long as I would not try to pass it off as an original. So, I did make one, out of Mahogany using slate from my friend hunter62 ...it was a challenge indeed as the call is made up of many pieces, but, after I made it I missed the deadline for the entry. So, I now have it in my collection. Here are some pics ... enjoy...pappy
When we got to the convention we visited the collection of Earl's and lo and behold there sat a Big Chief.....I didn't know you could have asked to pick it up much less buy it, but I did get to look at one....it was larger then mine, much larger, by an inch around and deeper about another inch, the strikers were huge compared to the one I made. I could see why when talking to Mr. Jenkins, that there were not many left out there. Out of the 50 or so, many came apart, due to mishandling or post office accidents. I hear around 30 have survived. Notice that I have burned "reproduction 2015" around the call and on the back where M.L. had description of the call I added..." This call has been made by Jack "pappy" Lewis as a representative / reproduction in honor of the 60th anniversary of M.L.Lynch a world champion turkey caller and manufacturer of the Big Chief turkey call." I just hope I did him an honor....
