September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
In addition to the overall extraordinary carving, the charm of this polychrome horn is in the many groups of marching soldiers. Additional motifs included among this horn's engraving are extremely detailed forts, blockhouses, British flags, cities, ships and encampments. There is a floral border engraved on the horn at the plug end. The numeral "3" is carved, along with an arrow, possibly indicating the cardinal direction North. The well turned hardwood plug has several concentric rings carved in relief and terminating in an integral, round knob. The raised area is decorated with a scalloped and saw tooth border where it meets the darker, recessed portion of the horn. There are two carved rings on the recessed area of the horn. This horn measures 12" overall. Walter attributed this horn to the skilled hand of The Master Carver. He was aware of only nineteen horns by this engraver. According to Jay Hopkins on pages 30 and 31 of his book "Bone Tipped and Banded Horns", "This is a horn by the 'Master Carver," a designation given to a well-recognized hand by horn authority, Walter O'Connor. This design includes a map of Quebec, lines of soldiers, many unnamed forts, ships, the Saint Lawrence River and other decorative details. It would date to 1759-60 period. The details are so fine and accurate that he could well have been a professional engraver and appears to have worked from direct observation of the subject matter. There is a hand painted, red collection number that appears to be "Eh 31" on the plug. Condition is very good, as described. Engraving is extremely crisp with the exception of a small 1" X 1" area of abrasive wear and pitting. The bottom of this horn displays a fine 1/8" inch crack. Several notches are present on the first ring below the faceted spout. The 4 1/2" spout end of horn also shows some spotted imperfections. Some minor damage is also found at the edge of the plug.