2021 CLA Live Auction: Neck Knife and Quilled Sheath by Frank and Lally House

 

This neck knife and quilled sheath were created by Frank House and Lally House. Frank forged this knife with a finely balanced 4 1/2-inch-long blade and mounted it to an antler handle with a through tang. The handle is finished with silver mounts.  There is an interesting pommel on the butt of the knife with a protrusion serving as a bullet starter.  The knife is what you would expect from one of the leading knife smithing teachers in the CLA.

This knife sheath is a work of art.  The naturally dyed hand worked quills and moose hair embroidery are sewn in an Eastern Woodland pattern on the brain tanned, rawhide-lined sheath.  The stitching is extremely precise and the quill folding is very intricate.  This is a fine example of the knife sheath as an art form.

Both Frank and Lally are regular supporters of the CLF Auction.  They are also dedicated to promoting the art of the contemporary longrifle culture.  Both have taught classes sharing the lessons they have learned in their craft: Frank in rifle and knife smithing, Lally in leatherwork and quill work.  Both also serve on several CLA committees.

Frank House's contact information is frankhouse59@gmail.com

Lally House’s contact information is lallybhouse@gmail.com

 

Photography by David Wright

Text by Heinz Ahlers