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37th Annual Long Rifle Exhibit

Posted: 3:27 PM Apr 15, 2012
Reporter: Mollie Lair

37th Annual Long Rifle Exhibit

The show is meant to honor the history of gun making and the artistry it requires.

Many guns have ornate wood, engraving, and inlays. Collectors hope to pass on the history of the craft.

Organizer Ron Yeria says Marietta has a special historical significance when it comes to gun making. Many travelers would stop there on their way west to purchase a gun when the country was being settled.

And that's one reason they continue to hold it at the Lafayette Hotel each year.

"Ohio had more gun makers than any state but Pennsylvania. So the purpose of this is just to remind people that there's a huge legacy in Ohio of artisans who worked on a local level, one-on-one for customers who created some of the finest examples of folk art that you'll find around," says Treasurer for the Association of Ohio Long Rifle Collectors Ron Yeria.

Collectors say the show is strictly educational. None of the rifles on display are sold during the event though some owners do get interest after.

The event also provides educational material for children.