The Honourable Company
of Horners

Dedicated to the Research, Preservation and Education of Horn Work

A Guild of Contemporary Horn Workers and Collectors

In 1996, Roland Cadle of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, who had long been interested in the historic 18th Century horn trade, conceived the idea of hosting a “Horn Fair” at the Mercer Museum in Doylestown, PA. The horn fair consisted of a series of seminars and exhibits on the subjects of collecting and making objects from cow horn. It was such a positive experience for those who attended that eleven workers and collectors met afterwards to form a new organization called the Honourable Company of Horners (HCH). The founding members decided that the purpose of the organization would be to promote and preserve the knowledge of horn working. Officers were elected and the members decided to meet each year to hold seminars and conduct business in order to fulfill the mission of the organization.

During its first few years, the HCH was largely concerned with conducting its annual horn fairs, attracting new members and organizing itself. Regular annual meetings were held in numerous locations including the Ohio Historical Society, Davis-Elkins College, Colonial Williamsburg, and Connor Prairie. By 2000, the HCH could boast over 100 active members. Bylaws were adopted in 2001 and the HCH became a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in 2002. In 2004, the HCH adopted a unique voluntary guild structure for its horn working members.

Today, the HCH remains firmly committed to its original mission – educating its members and the public about horn working and its history. Currently, the HCH has over 350 members and publishes a newsletter called The Horn Book, which comes out three times per year.

Our annual meeting is held the first part of March every year. If you are interested in horn working or collecting and would like to know more about the HCH, consider attending one of these meetings. They are open to the general public.

Meet Your Guildmaster

Brett Davis

Brett Davis lives in Green Lane, Pennsylvania with his wife Antonia(Tone) and his 4 children, Brendan, Avery, Samuel and Nathaniel. Brett is new to the 18th Century life and began building Pennsylvania Longrifles in 2018. He was taught by Paul Allison from Gap, PA after immersing himself in a 2 year rifle building apprenticeship. Brett enjoys building, researching, carving and shaping the many Styles & Schools of the Pennsylvania longrifle. His primary focus is on Early Germanic, Federal period and Golden age rifles as well as Bucks County Fowlers in particular.

While living in Doylestown Brett spent many hours at the Mercer Museum, Fonthill and the Moravian Tileworks. He learned about redware, tinwork, hornwork and the many trades that the museum had to display. Bucks County also offered many farms to hunt on. He learned how to hunt deer and waterfowl in the woods and fields near Lahaska. This is also where Brett learned how to Blacksmith in Mechanicsville near Peddlers Village. He was taught by Joe Beck from Iron Apple forge after many cold mornings in the woods.

Brett became interested in horn work in 2018 after Tim Sanner introduced Brett to John DeWald. He showed John his first Early Philadelphia horn attempt. John gave him an honest critique and Brett took notes. John then mentioned to Brett that he should attend the Advanced horn class with Frank Willis, John DeWald and Daniel Boling. After making a flat horn, gorget and pewter spoon Brett was instantly hooked. Not only were these men talented artisans and instructors, they quickly became close friends. Brett eventually began to create things to compliment the rifles he was building. These Gentlemen encouraged and educated Brett to build some of the most fascinating accoutrements, always trying to build on different ideas and learning new techniques.

Brett currently spends most of his time kayaking, fishing and hunting with Tone and his 3 youngest children. When Brett's in the shop, his children are in the shop, he encourages them to build as well, from rifles to leather bags to powder horns to ironwork. The Davis family loves to build!"

Read messages from our current Guildmaster and former Guildmasters

HCH Officers and Committee Members

The Honourable Company of Horners is guided by a dedicated group of officers and committee members who volunteer their time, knowledge, and passion to support the Guild’s mission. Through their efforts, the Guild continues its work in research, preservation, education, and the celebration of horn craftsmanship. Their commitment helps ensure that the traditions of horn remain vibrant for current and future generations.

Honourable Company of Horners Officers