September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
This rare John Bush engraved horn is inscribed: "Ebenezer Knap born _______"
"EBENEZER KNAP"
"Fort William Henry Nov,r 5,th 1756"
All of the lettering on this horn is contained in three panels that follow the contour of the horn. The lettering is flamboyant and well executed. There are floral sprays and vines in panels around the lettering that are very fluid and expressive. There is also a decorative, organic type border at the end of the raised portion of the horn towards the spout.
This horn is fitted with a nicely patinated and unusual, flat, brass butt cap, which is attached with iron brads. There is also a large 1 - 1/4 inch decorated, brass staple for a carrying strap located just below the butt cap on the horn. This horn displays a 5 - 1/2 inch recessed, dark portion leading to the spout. This portion has two carved rings for the carrying strap. This horn measures 12 - 1/2 inches overall.
There is an Ebenezer Knapp listed among the privates of the 5th Company, 4th Regiment of Connecticut soldiers under General Phineas Lyman on a 1756 dated muster roll. These men were mostly pressed into service at this early point in the war. They served in Canada during the 1756 campaign. Men under General Lyman were also present at Fort William Henry, Fort Crown Point and Fort Ticinderoga and saw action several times.
An African American clerk in the company of Captain David Baldwin, John Bush carved several known horns. Bill Guthman states he also carved at least seven horns before he was captured by the French and Indians in 1757, never to be heard from again. His distinct style was copied by other highly skilled horn engravers and he might be regarded as one of the founders of the Lake George School of horn engravers.
The date engraved on this horn is of note. Another horn in this sale is dated November 4, 1756, only one day prior to this horn. The horn was owned by Nicholas Currier and also carved by Bush at Fort William Henry.
This horn is pictured on page 17, plate number 3 of John DuMont's book "American Engraved Powder Horns".
On page 24 of Tom Grinslade's book "Powder Horns", this horn is noted as one of eight listed John Bush horns. A similarly carved horn by the same hand is also pictured there.
Condition: Excellent, as described. This is an exceptionally attractive horn with a wonderful honey toned patina. There is a 1 - 1/4 inch hairline crack on the spout. Some small pieces are missing from the rings, along with minor abrasions. There is a vacant nail hole on the butt cap.