October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
This horn, measuring about 10" in length, is inscribed "DAVID EGLESTON'S HORN MADE / DEC'R 17 AD, 1777, IN, THE , ARMY". Egleston apparently made the horn at the time he arrived in the Philadelphia area in 1777, according to documents from the period. David Egleston is listed in "Rolls of Connecticut Men in the French and Indian War: 1755-1762, Volume II" as a soldier in the First Company under Maj.-Gen. Lyman. He served during the Revolutionary War and was at Valley Forge as part of the Seventh Regiment under Watson between December 1777 and May 1778. He was listed as sick at Princeton in June 1778, according to "Fire Cake and Water: The Connecticut Infantry at the Valley Forge Encampment" by Joseph Lee Boyle. He was issued two certificates on page 164 of the "Report of Daughters of the American Revolution" and on "Pierce's Register", which is the register of the certificates issued by John Pierce, Esquire. Pierce was the Paymaster General and Commissioner of Army Accounts for the United States. He is also listed in "Regiments of the Connecticut Line: 1781-1783" on page 369 as being in Swift's last regiment. The horn shows two city-scapes, one labelled "PHILADELPHIA", the other "NEW YORK". Other places represented by building and labels include "T TOWN", "BRISTO", "NEW CITY", "ALBENY", "BURLINTON". The horn is clearly engraved with New England style decoration and also depicts forts, ships coming into the Philadelphia Harbor, a mermaid, fish, windmill, and cannons. Spout sections are faceted. Plug is of convex wood and retained by brass tacks. Complete with copies of all records listed above. CONDITION: Horn retains a mellow honey patina with some wear and marks from use. One minor crack stems from plug edge. One tack missing. Plug lacks finish and has a dry surface. This horn is dated exactly one day before George Washington's army began their encampment at Valley Forge. PROVENANCE: Previously sold at Pook & Pook Auction as lot 671 on May 22, 2004 in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.