December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2021
This rather large map horn measures about 13" across the bow. The spout section has a ring about 1/4" from opening followed by a faceted section, 3 graduated faceted rings and another faceted section. The top edge of the main body is scalloped. The horn features a large British crest and is professionally engraved. Towards the bottom is a detailed view of New York City with important churches, forts, and buildings. Other places labelled and depicted include: Albany, "Skinectady", Half Moon, Ft. Johnson, Fort Hunter, German Flats, Fort Williams, Fort Newport, Oswego, Fort Stillwater, Fort Miller, Fort Anna, Fort Edward, South Bay, Fort Saratoga, Fort Myer, Halfway Brook, Ticonderoga, Lake George, William Henry, and others. There are also detailed rivers and tributaries as well as depictions of important forts and buildings along this map. The spout and butt have silver caps connected by a braided silver chain, the spout cap is glued in place. The buttcap shows British hallmarks. The horn is complete with a notarized letter of provenance stating that it hung on the wall of Unity Lodge in Lebanon Valley New York, home of Major Elisha Gilbert. Gilbert was considered a "man of property" and owned grist mills, farms, canals and extensive land tracts in the Lebanon Valley. This horn probably originally belonged to his father. The letter states that family history indicates that the horn was acquired form a British soldier in New York during the French and Indian War. The silver cap and chain were added by the current owner's grandfather in Birmingham, England. The Gilbert Mansion was purchased by the horn owner's grandfather in 1896, where the powder horn was hanging above the great fireplace in the dining room until his death in 1938. It has been passed down in the family since. CONDITION: Very good overall, body retains a light honey patina and engraving is excellent. There is 1 tiny insect hole about the size of the end of a ballpoint pen. Silver mounts retain a dark grey patina. A very nice professional map horn in wonderful condition. DMG
Item Dimensions: 14" x 3"