September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
This Forbes Road map horn is inscribed in two panels: "IOHN COX :: FEBREWERY"
"the 18. 1764"
Starting at the base of the horn, the map begins with a simplistic view of "PHILIDELPHIA" Harbor and terminates at "Ft. ONTARIA" and Fort "DEtRQyAt" towards the spout end. Other locations listed on this horn include "LANCASTER", "YORk", "CARSLILe", "SHIpINs ToWN", "LOuDON", "LITtle toN", "CROSINS", "BeD FORD", "ALeGANy MouNt", "St CReek", "LORaL HILL", "LAGaNeeR", "BLOCHouSe", "Ft. PItt", "ALeGANy", "MONONGALAH", "WeeNaNG", "LABeeF", "PROSqueAL", "SANtTusky", "LAke oNtARi", "LAke ERI", and "NIAGRA".
The major motif on this horn is a large depiction of the British Royal Seal. At the top, a "G" and an "R" flank the crown with the Roman numeral "III" above it, designating the reign of King George III. Other symbols found scattered along the roads, rivers and lakes are simplistic forts, cities, and mountains. There are several symbols including a building in perspective, a fish and a bird, which do not appear original to the horn. The name "KIng" is also very nicely engraved near the base of the horn. There are also initials and the date "1820" scattered throughout the negative space of this horn. Since several of the initials end in "C" it is easy to assume they were later descendants of the original owner.
This horn is fitted with a domed, stepped, hardwood cap, which is secured with iron pins. The recessed, darker portion of the horn has three stepped and faceted rings that determine the facets of the spout. The stepped rings are visually appealing and very well conceived. The spout tip ends in a raised and turned ring, which is also faceted. Overall this horn measures 13 inches.
Colonel John Cox was the son of Catherine Longfield Cox, was born in 1732. He held significant posts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These included service as the Deputy to the Pennsylvania Provincial Convention in 1774 and 1775, and membership in the Burlington County Committee of Observations in 1775. He was also a major in the 2nd Battalion of the Pennsylvania Associated Militia. In 1776, he became a Lieutenant Colonel in that body. He was also the owner of the Batsto Iron Works, located in Burlington County, New Jersey, starting in 1773. In 1778 he purchased "Kingsburg", the former property of Dr. William Bryant. In 1792 he sat for a portrait by renowned Philadelphia artist William Peale. Colonel Cox died in 1792.
This horn has been attributed to John Fox. Currently the Fort Pitt Museum is exhibiting another example of a 1764 dated map horn depicting the Forbes Road, also signed by Fox. According to the museum's research, the carver "may have been a soldier in the Royal American Regiment stationed at Fort Pitt". Another Fox signed horn belonging to John Mifflin, dated March 23, 1764, several days after this particular map horn was carved, can be found in the collection of the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum.
Accompanying this horn is a drawing and photograph of a horn belonging to a William Cox, also dated 1764. Both horns take the same form and are likely from the same maker. The engraving also appears to be of the same hand. Some motifs are shared between the horns, although the maps engraved are of different routes. This said, some locations are found on both horns.
Condition: Very Good, except the damage at the plug end. There is minimal wear or disturbance to the art and lettering of this horn, which maintains a pleasing, soft patina. All carving and details are clear and easily read. There is bleeding around the nails, along with several cracks and breaks around the butt plug. A thin, 4 - 1/2 inch long section of the plug's edge is missing where it meets the horn. There is a 1/2 inch diameter, round hole which penetrates the plug at its center. A one inch, fine hairline crack is present at the spout.