2014 CLA Live Auction: Maryellen Pratt Hunting Pouch with Joe Seabolt Powder Horn and Knife

Maryellen Pratt lives in Adams County, Ohio with her husband Ian Pratt. Maryellen is a maker of premium hunting bags, knife sheaths, haversacks and sundry other items. She is meticulous in using materials and techniques. And her careful antiquing processes are universally appreciated. Maryellen regularly conducts classes on the skills and methods of making pouches and advanced leather working at the Log Cabin Shop in Lodi, Ohio and other venues. Her products are regularly featured on the Contemporary Makers Blog, in American Traditions, and can be found in on the range at Friendship, carried by by re-enactors and in better contemporary collections.

Joe Seabolt, also from Southwestern Ohio is a noted blacksmith and cutler. Joe’s knives are greatly prized and one of his large knives was featured in last year’s auction. Having a horn by Joe is an additional plus for this set as horns are a rare product for him. Joe also is a popular instructor on blacksmithing, and knife making. He has designed a gas forge for iron work, capable of welding heats and occasionally has a class for fabricating the forge. 

This hand stitched “D” shaped bag is an outstanding work of art. The pouch with period correct fringe is made from a select mixture of bark tanned deer and calf hide. The bag’s strap has a hand forged buckle for adjustment and is fitted with a sheath which holds a fine antler handled patch knife made by Joe. A powder horn by Joe Seabolt features an applied walnut tip and a unique iron inlay in the plug. The horn is suspended by one of Maryellen’s woven straps with leather ends and the stopper is secured with a lucet woven cord. The vent pick and decorated cane powder measure are by Joe, as well as the handmade chains suspending them from the bag.

This bag set is outstanding on all counts. The color and aging really have to be seen in person to be appreciated.

Both Joe and Maryellen are repeat donors to the Fund Raising Auction and we appreciate their continued support.

Their contact information is:

This series of articles is for the benefit of the CLA Auction on August 15, 2014.   Larry Pletcher, editor