2017 “Southern Department” Auction at the HCH Annual Meeting – A Success!

This is an update on the 2017 HCH Annual Meeting Action. It has been held and it was successful.

Kris Polizzi, Fundraising Committee Chair

With all the success of last year’s auction, I was encouraged to do another such event. When I thought about whether a “theme” was in order, it was suggested by Bill Carter to contact different groups within the Guild that meet together for “regional” meetings. With the Guild itself only having one official meeting a year, some members take it upon themselves to get together with others who are “relatively” close. Whether this be a formal meeting on a regular basis or friends getting together in someone’s shop, these gatherings are a great way to share ideas, historical information and build relationships with other members that last for years.

The first such group to volunteer refers to themselves proudly as “The HCH Southern Department”. In their own words, the purpose of this contingent of the HCH is “to identify, research, document, build, and promote the education of Southern horn accouterments, research and construct unique horn artifacts, and become proficient in the skills necessary to achieve those goals”. Since their first meeting in 2011, the group has worked on many varied projects, including (2011) Southern Appalachian Blowing Horn, (2012) North Carolina Banded Horn, (2013) Northern Valley of Virginia Powder Horn / Horn Tobacco Box, (2014) Traditional Southern Appalachian Powder Horn, (2015) Kumpf / Hair Broach, (2016) French Military Pulverin Powder Flask.

They’ve also organized classes for general horn work such as sharpening of turning tools, metal spinning, proper techniques and use of a jeweler’s saw, coloration techniques for horn work and procedures for transferring folk art from photos to a horn surface. It’s clear to me, these guys are no slackers!

The groups were asked to make five items that reflect something special about their group. As you can see, the Southern Department decided to go above and beyond and has had all of their regular attenders participate. Here are the items graciously given to this event.

As we did last year for the “Auction of the Masters” we will start the bidding online- right here, just below the pictures of the items! We will take the two highest bids to start the live auction. The top bid will be held secret for the fairness to the bidder. That way everyone can feel safe, sending us the highest amount they are willing to bid. Unfortunately, we will be unable to handle phone bids during the auction. If you know someone who will be able to attend and will bid for you, that will be allowed, but must be worked out personally.

Piedmont North Carolina Horn and Pouch with Accoutrements
Here is a Piedmont North Carolina set with a fringed pouch by Jeff Bibb of Monroe, VA paired with a banded horn by Billy Griner of Woodbine, GA. Ray Antosh of Burke, VA created a pick, brush and measure in a complimentary style. The set is completed with a beautiful, hand-forged knife by Bill Bisher of Black Turtle Forge in Denton, NC.

Queen Anne Flask
Most Queen Anne flasks were made from green or amber colored translucent horn. Journeyman Horner Don Fererro of Sanford, NC has made a stunning flask from black horn accented with a piece of unusual zebra colored horn.

Two Leather Covered Costrels
Journeyman Horner Jim Leach of Williamsburg, VA has made two costrels. They are bottles covered in tooled leather. The larger comes with a braided cord and the smaller one is designed for carrying in a pouch or pocket.

1760 French and Indian War Powder Horn
Here is a joint project for the 2017 auction by Journeyman Horners Bill Carter and Rick Sheets. It is a 1760 lobed horn made in the style of those horns created during the F&I War. Bill made the horn and Rick did the engraving.

Scottish Style Horn Beakers
Journeyman Horner Clinton Byers of Lenior, NC has created a brace of Scottish horn beakers that are nearly identical. He started out with a pair of honey colored cow horns. The beakers are accented with homemade walnut dye.

Custom Earrings
Master Horner John Kiselica of Bethel Park, PA has designed and made this custom pair of sterling silver and horn earrings.

The auction will run similarly to last year’s with the live auction held at the banquet Saturday night. Personally, I am very excited by this new focus on small groups within the Guild’s all about connection! If your group would like to participate or have any questions, please feel free to contact me at polizzifam@netzero.net. And don’t forget, all members can request a copy of the Guild roster to see if any other members are in their area!

Best regards,
Kris Polizzi

A Success! 2016 Auction of the Masters

Glenn Sutt adds his auctioneering skills to our event as Kris Polizzi offers a hand.

The 2016 Annual Meeting has come and gone and as the dust settles and we evaluate how things went, we can chalk the Auction of the Masters up to a success! I’d like to thank everyone who helped out on this project. Thank you to the Master Horners who made this such a special event! Thank you to everyone who bid online and at the live auction itself! And a special thank you to those who helped me pull it all together- Jerry Polizzi, Rick Sheets, Bill Carter and our super auctioneer, Glenn Sutt.
We raised over $3700 for The Guild and there is already interest in next year’s event!
Thank you again!,
 Kris Polizzi – Fund raising Chair

The Honourable Company of Horners is happy to announce a very special celebration of its 20th year! At our next Annual Meeting in March 4-5, 2016, we will be having an Auction of the Masters. The auction will take place at the banquet on March 5th. The proceeds will go towards advancing the public education mission of the Guild. Each Master Horner in the Guild was asked to make a horn item for the auction . A special “touchmark” design was given out so each of these items could be linked to this anniversary. Each maker could decide how and where to incorporate this design into their work. Our Masters did not disappoint with their use of artistry and creativity. We have nine wonderful items to choose from and we’re excited to be able to present them to you.[br][br][br]Don’t miss this opportunity to own a Masterpiece of horn work and support the public education mission of the Guild.

Item # 1 Pierced Back Comb by Master Horner Joe Becker
Joe Becker likes to make back combs and it seems the more piercings the better! Joe got the inspiration from Glenn Beall and his wife Patsy. The design was inspired from his life at the time.Joe first cut out a paper pattern, which he then traced onto the horn. He used a jeweler’s saw to cut out the shape. Once it was cut out, he then filed it, heated it, and bent it around a wooden mold giving it the dramatic shape. He then used a tumbler to give it the final polish.
Click Here to read Joe Becker’s Profile.

Item #2 Philly Powder Horn Lamp by Master Horner Roland Cadle
In the spirit of the Spinning Wheel Chair, Rope Bed Bench and the Firkin Sewing Basket, comes the “Powder Horn Lamp!”[br][br]This 1759 Philadelphia screw tip horn has a cast and turned pewter base band with a red painted base plug and screw tip. The collar band is black horn. The horn is professionally engraved with the Royal Coat of Arms, Stand of Arms and a cityscape of old Philadelphia. The map from Philadelphia to Ft. Pitt encircles the horn. The engraving is done in three colors of ink with gold accents added in heated aqua fortis, as are the best originals.[br] The finished horn was then segmented on a band saw and reconfigured into something useful – a desk lamp.
Click Here to see Roland Cadle’s profile.

Item # 3 Penner and Quill Pen Holder by Master Horner Art DeCamp
Art DeCamp is known for his skill in turning and thread cutting. Here is an 18th century style penner and desk pen holder.[br] The penner is made of four separate pieces of horn that are turned and then threaded with chased threads. The desk pen holder is made of a tapered piece of horn with two chimed disks as the top and bottom.
Click Here to read Art DeCamp’s profile.

Item #4 European Style Powder Flask by Master Horner Carl Dumke
Carl Dumke has submitted a large powder flask in the European style.[br] It has an integral valve and mechanical mechanism made of horn and fitted to the body by a figured walnut housing. The body is comprised of a horn band sandwiched between figured walnut panels which are adorned with European stag rosette rounds, scrimshawed with a fleeing boar on the obverse and a oak wealth on the reverse. The flask hangs on a braided leather strap and is attached by turned and carved antler rings by a brass oak leaf, rat-tail hangers. The cord joins beneath the flask with a leather Spanish knot ending in turned horn and boar hair tassels.
Click Here to see Carl Dumke’s profile.

Item # 5 Scandinavian Tobacco Box by Master Horner Willy Frankfort
Master Horner Willy Frankfort has donated an engraved horn tobacco box, made in the Scandinavian Telemark folk art style. [br]The upright horn posts click into the lid and hold it fast. Like much of Willy’s work it has a touch of the macabre with a demon enjoying his pipe in a cartouche on the back. This artisan’s creation won the 2015 Craftsman Award at the Art Nationals and the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Foundation. This award is meaningful as the Westmoreland region (just west of Philadelphia) was settled by Scandinavian emigrants.
Click Here to read Wild Willy Frankfort’s profile.

Item #6 Contemporary Artisan Horn Bracelet by Master Horner John Kiselica
Here is your chance to OWN a piece of this Master Horner’s work! John is notorious for not selling his work.[br] [br]Here is a custom designed, multi-colored, hand pierced, flattened horn artisan bracelet. And the metal parts are Sterling silver.
Click Here to see John Kiselica’s profile.

Item #7 French Indian War Horn “Ft. Edward – AD 1756” by Master Horner Lee Larkin
Lee Larkin has provided a large engraved powder horn made in the style of those horns that were soldier made during the French and Indian war. [br]This horn has a nicely turned butt of dark stained maple fixed with wooden pegs. The horn has a nice double twist. The horn features a “Make Ready – Present – Fire” engraving of no less than 23 soldiers facing off using Napoleonic tactics. The horn has two panels of slogans and a lot of foliate design with curlicues. The horn does not have a soldiers name on it making ideal to carry for your F&I impression or to display.
Click Here to read Lee Larkin’s profile.

Item #8 Polychrome Pennsylvania “Dutch” Horn Box by Master Horner John Proud
John Proud is known for his superior layouts and clean, expert engraving. [br]Those qualities are shown on this little box. John has donated an engraved and polychromed horn box with cherry lid and base. The lid is adorned with a brass finial.
Click Here to see John Proud’s profile.

Item #9 Turned Horn Cordial and Goblet by Master Horner Erv Tschanz
A new horn turner in the Guild eventually “turns” to Erv Tschanz to better understand how to make these complex forms. [br][br]Here is a turned cordial and goblet, each made of two pieces of horn. The flat bottom piece was pressed and threaded and then two pieces turned from solid horn tip are added to complete each of the items.
Click Here to read Erv Tschanz’s profile.

2015 Summer Raffle at Dixon’s Gunmakers Fair– We have Winners. Drawing was Sunday, July 26th.

First Prize – Horn by Journeyman Horner Jim Pease, Pouch by Freeman Karen Pease and Patch Knife by Nathan Allen.

Update: We have Winners. Drawing was Sunday, July 26th.

1st/ Horn and Bag set- Paul Gasparo, NY

2nd/Horn Box- Sean Beckwith, PA

3rd/Knife- Rex Reddick, TX

With the fun of this year’s Annual Meeting fresh in our minds, we start to look forward to the other Guild events of the year! I am happy to be able to present this year’s Summer raffle set that will be on display at Dixon’s Gunmaker’s Fair this year.

An idea had been nagging me for quite some time. With all of the talented members in the Guild, wouldn’t it be great to have a husband and wife team do the bag and horn set? After winning multiple awards at Dixon’s last year, Journeyman Horner Jim and Freeman Karen Pease were my first thought! When asked if they would take up the challenge, they both quickly agreed and this year we have a wonderful set crafted by this generous couple!
2015 Summer Raffle at Dixon’s Gunmakers Fair– Drawing Sunday, July 26th.

The bag, by Karen is of vegetable tanned  leather with a hair on, calf hide flap. The horn, by Jim is a Lancaster County screw tip.

Also included with the set is a hand forged antler handle knife by Nathan Allen and turned antler pick and brush set with hand made chain by Freeman Jerry Polizzi.

As we have done in the past, we are happy to be able to have additional items to be raffled off. The first  is a beautifully engraved horn box by Journeyman John DeWald. We also have a super knife and sheath by Billy Watson.

We can only continue to do these great fundraising events with the support of our members. Anyone who is interested in donating an item, can contact me at polizzifam@netzero.net.

Kris Polizzi- Fundraising Chair

Included with the Pouch and Horn is this pick and brush by Jerry Polizzi. Measure is by Jim Pease.

2nd Prize – John DeWald Maker

3rd Prize – Billy Watson Maker

2015 Annual Meeting Raffle at the AHEC – Drawing on March 7, 2015. We have Winners.

UPDATE – The Annual Meeting is now a thing of the past and we have winners! Please see the lucky ones who purchased raffle tickets and had their names drawn. Their names are below the raffle items. Incidentally, Mark Preston, one of our members, from Florida donated two un-worked horns and they were won by Steve Haines of Pennsylvania.
Again, thank you to all who donated items and to all of those who purchased raffle items.

Best regards,
Kris Polizzi

It is that time of year again, and I am happy to announce the items for the “Annual Meeting” raffle for 2015. First, a huge Thank You to all of the artisans who have donated these wonderful items! The raffles we hold throughout the year are a great way for us to raise money for the Guild’s many programs, and there is no way to do that without the help of so many of you. I am always amazing by those of you who come forward when your help is needed!

This year’s eight items are…

A Southern Banded Horn crafted by Ron Hess	A handmade leather ball bag by Eric Ewing
Banded horn won by Gary Bertrlsen, OH	Ball Bag won by Bob Albrecht, NJ
A Queen Anne horn made by Journeyman Don Fererro	A handsome pick and brush set by Journeyman Clinton Byers
Queen Anne flask won by Brian Shrader, IN	Pick & Brush won by Jason Moyer, PA
A turned horn funnel and measure by Rex Reddick	A well-crafted ring box made by Journeyman Bill Carter and engraved by Journeyman Rick Sheets
Funnel & Measure won by Don Fererro, NC	Ring Box won by Jason Moyer, PA
A lovely hand woven strap by Sara Boyd	And last, but certainly not least, the NMLRA has sent us the generous gift of a 5 year membership and the new book Flintlocks, by Eric Bye!
Woven strap won by Scott Morrison, OR	NMLRA Book & Membership won by Ed Long, PA

Tickets can be “pre-purchased” by clicking on the ticket or purchased in person at the Annual Meeting for only $2 each or 6 for $10. Stop by the fundraising table to get an up close look at all of these great prizes! You need not be present to win.

My thanks again to all of the members who help make these raffles possible. Anyone who is interested in donating an item can feel free to contact me at polizzifam@netzero.net.

Kris Polizzi – Fundraising Chair

2014 Dixon’s Raffle AKA The HCH Summer Raffle – We Have Winners – Updated July 28, 2014

With this year’s annual meeting behind us, our thoughts turn to the fun and fellowship at Dixon’s Gunmaker’s Fair this summer! I am thrilled to be able to share with you, that we have another excellent showing of member’s work to bring to you this July! We’ll start with the “Horn and Bag set.” This year we have a most spectacular pairing of a horn by Journeyman John DeWald of Pennsdale, PA and a bag by Journeyman Frank Willis of Emmaus, PA. Let me just say, the pictures do not do this set justice! I am confident if you are able to see this set in person, it will amaze you!

THE WINNER IS ZACHARY GRINER OF GEORGIA.

John and Frank decided to go with a “high art” bag and horn set with a strong Pennsylvania Dutch influence. John’s horn, with a double tulip shaped spout, chip-carved cherry base plug, is covered with intricate designs such as hexes and fraktur floral work and a fraktur angel. The opposite side carries the phrase, “Moge Got die Hochste Uhr Uber Dir.” This means, “May God the Highest Watch Over Thee.” The polychrome coloring and aging techniques compliment the bag perfectly.

The bag is based on an original fowler bag owned by Tom Ames. It has a complex design comprised lacing and a PA Dutch circular pattern with piercings. Added to this is the use of colored thread, leather covered rings, gussets and borders. It’s lined with a coarse weave linen fabric.

The set is also graced by a beautiful engraved and poly-chromed horn on horn vent pick by Journeyman, Spark Mumma of Jonestown, PA and a turned horn measure and brush with hand made chain by Jerry Polizzi of Elizabethtown, PA.

As we have done in the past, we are happy to be able to have additional items to be raffled off. The first is a beautiful moose hair embroidered pouch by Sue DeLille of Wilkesville, OH. We also have a super acrylic wampum beaded strap, graciously donated by Paul DesRosiers of Gastonia, NC.

 These amazing prizes will all be on display at the Guild table at The Gunmaker’s Fair, where tickets will be on sale for $5 each or 5 for $20. Those who cannot make the fair can join in on the fun by downloading tickets here!

Kris Polizzi – Fundraising Co-Chair

Additional Raffle Items	Won by:
Moose hair embroidered pouch by Sue DeLille of Wilkesville, OH	Jerry Polizzi(PA)
An acrylic wampum beaded strap by Paul DesRosiers of Gastonia, NC.	Rich Griggs(OH)

2014 Winter Raffle at the AHEC (aka Annual Meeting Raffle) – March 8, 2014- We Have Winners.

Update – March 14th, 2014

We have winners! Please see who the lucky winners are next to the prizes below. Thank you.

The NMLRA has donated a print of David Wright’s “Spirit of America.

An engraved compass box with a chip carved lid, by Master Horner John Proud

An Early Philadelphia style screw tip horn, crafted by Ron Hess

A lovely hand woven buffalo wool strap, by Pam Hutton.

An engraved drinking cup, by Jerry Frank.

A handsome contemporary banded buffalo horn, by Journeyman Horner Walter Mabry.

A hand made tool set, by Ray Antosh.

A beautifully engraved rum horn, by Tom Saunders.

And last, but certainly not least, is a wonderful blowing horn with hand spun pewter embellishments, by the team of Don Fererro and Journeyman Horner Bill Carter.

 Photos by Rick Sheets.

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