Each year the Honourable Company of Horners presents the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association with a fully engraved powder horn in support of the NMLRA’s 1 of 1000 Endowment Program. Its purpose is to create a $1,000,000 endowment to support its long-term financial stability.
This bond which has been in existence since 2007, is highly beneficial to both organizations, and only the Guild’s very best are selected to annually produce the 1 of 1000 Powder Horn. Each artisan donates the materials as well as their time in researching, designing, constructing, and engraving this commemorative horn. It is an honor and a milestone achievement for each selected artisan.
Walter Mabry, Master Horner, made this year’s powder horn, which is indeed a work of art. It was presented to NMLRA representatives Dave Ehrig and Jim Fulmer at this year’s closing banquet during the Guild’s Annual Horn Fair. Dave spoke on the importance of the relationship between the NMLRA and the HCH, stressing its importance, both from an educational perspective and keeping our nation’s history alive.
Walt was selected by the Horners’ Guild to make the 1 of 1000 Powder Horn. His path to becoming a Master started at the age of eight when he bought a barrel and lock for $2.50 to build a muzzleloading rifle, of which had only seen in pictures. Wood for the stock came from his uncle, and with his father’s help, six months later Walt had his first muzzleloader. Once verified that it was safe to shoot, he realized a powder horn was needed, so he and his father took a trip to a local New Orleans slaughter house where they got two big potato sacks of horns! Walt selected one and made his first powder horn which he still has today. Side-note: A few years back, Guild members were asked to bring the first powder horn they had ever made for a display at Dixon’s. Walt stated that “I took mine, but when I got to Dixon’s, I was too embarrassed to put it in the display!” That certainly wouldn’t be the case today!
In 1973, Walt joined the NMLRA and started shooting at a local muzzle loading club. It didn’t take long for his talents to be discovered and he started building powder horns as prizes for the state shoots, which he still supports to this day.
His interest in horn work pretty much runs the gamut, but is mostly focused on the commercial horns of the Pennsylvania shops of the 18th and 19th centuries and the Tansel family style horns. Walt stated that “When doing research for my Master’s certification, I learned much in researching the genealogy of the Tansel family and the evolution of their designs and motifs. This has increased my interest in learning more of the early horn makers and their skills and techniques.”
As such, Tansel powder horns have become a passion for Walt who said he has “been studying them for years. So, the 1 of 1000 was given a Tansel flavor with a little Southern flair. The eagle, deer, and dog are all typical Tansel. The sun burst, round cartouche, and engrailed fish mouth are also a Tansel influence. From the reverse beehive maple base to the lathe turned applied stag tip the horn says Southern. Instead of horn bands, I made them of pewter, along with a pewter drawer pull to attach a shoulder strap. The spout plug is made of Osage orange. The horn is 13 inches from tip to tip on the inside curve. Pam Hutton was gracious to donate a woven strap. It is a representation of a 200 year old example that was displayed at the Franklin, Indiana Horn Guild Conference. “
There are three powder horn collections that have caught Walt’s attention. When he attended his first HCH Meeting, held at Colonial Williamsburg, he was truly inspired with their collection. It was the first time he had ever seen that many original horns in one place. Then during the HCH Meeting in Franklin, Indiana, he was truly inspired by Jim Dressler’s personal collection. And in 2017, he visited the Deerfield collection, which he stated is magnificent.
Walt’s work has been featured in Muzzle Blasts Magazine, The Horn Book, and The Clarion-Ledger, a local newspaper. Plus, he has demonstrated his horn work at events such as Bicentennial of The Battle of New Orleans, Andrew Jackson’s Triumphant March Through Natchez and Grand Ball, 100th Year of National Park Service at Cumberland Gap, and the Raid on Martin Station as well as numerous other events in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
In addition to being a member of the Honourable Company of Horners, Walt is a life member of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, the National Rifle Association, the Kentucky Rifle Association, the Contemporary Longrifle Association, as well as local muzzleloading clubs. He is also a Fellow in the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, Inc. of which he has been a member for 20 years and served on the jurying committee for new members.
One quality that all of the Guild’s 16 Master Horners possess is the dedication they have in sharing their knowledge, time, skill, and experience with others. No question is insignificant, goes unexplained, or warrants a short, curt answer. This is especially true when interacting with the younger generation, where each one is treated as a potential new horner. Master Horners such as Walt are indeed special artisans and teachers who are a highly respected class of individuals.
For more information, Walt can be reached by phone at (601) 956-7238, or by e-mail: wmabrys@yahoo.com. - wec