Dog Head Hanger - Hilt by Paul Jones with Blade by Frank House

All parts of the hilt and the scabbard mounts are coin silver, the ribbon around the carved bone grip is hand rolled from bar stock, the chain is hand forged from bar stock. The finial on the scabbard throat is based on a patch box finial on a Jacob Dickert rifle, the scabbard tip is based on a patch box finial on a Christian Beck rifle. All the engraving was done by the late Ron Ehlert. The blade was forged by Frank House and has his touch-mark. The leather part of the scabbard was done by Norbert Buss. The design of the hanger is based on a sword in the Corchran Gallery.

Copy and photos supplied by Paul Jones.

Frank and Lally House Team Up to Make a Significant Work for the CLA Live Auction

Combining their talents, this husband and wife team has produced a stellar example of an 18^th century American Indian neck knife sheath with dagger.

The sheath, made and decorated with porcupine quills and moose hair embroidery by Lally is done in the Lenape/Delaware style. She utilizes traditional quilling techniques on brain tan leather which has been dyed to a dark brown. The neck strap is constructed of multiple strands of quill wrapped linen thread with a quilled panel at the top. In keeping with the tradition of recreating a traditional and authentic work of art, all components are dyed by using all natural dyes, and are sewn with linen thread.

The dagger, hand forged by Frank is based on an example shown in Madison Grant’s book The Knife in Homespun America.  The blade is made of spring steel filed with an oval sculpted ricasso and heavy medial ridge on each side.  The Frank House touchmark is stamped into the ricasso.  The fluted handle of hickory is held by an iron washer peened over the tang.

The CLA Live Auction will be on Friday, August 20th at 4:00 PM.

Copy and photos supplied by David Wright.

Tomahawk and Carrier Made by Frank House, Ian Pratt and Joe Seabolt – Made and Donated for the 2010 CLA Live Auction

Hand made by Frank House, Joe Seabolt and Ian Pratt, the tomahawk is based on an original piece signed " I Fraser", thought to have been made in the mid 1700's by blacksmith Jacob Fraser. Like the original, this tomahawk was forged by hand from wrought iron and is fitted with an octagonal removable bowl forged from a cut off section of an iron rifle barrel. 

The piece is decorated in a style featuring details that are unique yet presented in a manner that maintains a traditional feel. The hand filed moldings on the head and bowl capture the spirit of the original, and the addition of coin silver inlays, end cap and mouthpiece further bring the piece to life. The blade, bowl and all silver furnishings have been tastefully engraved, the piece has overall been given a warm, well worn finish, and finally the touchmarks of all three makers have been struck in silver and inlaid. The hand drilled curly maple haft sets off the piece and at the same time makes it practical if one desires to smoke it.

A handmade leather carrier with shoulder strap, aged to reflect the character of the tomahawk, accompanies the piece.

The CLA Live Auction will be on Friday, August 20th at 4:00 PM.

Copy and photos supplied by David Wright.