September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
Walter felt this rare French and Indian War period Fort Pitt horn displayed "lots of character as Norm Flayderman would note". There is an ornate cartouche with the entwined initials "RR". Beneath the cartouche is a large Scottish thistle. The "Monogahela" and "Alegaheny" rivers are inscribed in script, as well as illustrated at their convergence at Fort Pitt, where it forms the Ohio. Fort Pitt is illustrated at the point.
The spout displays a stubby vase and ring turning half an inch above its original iron staple for attaching a strap. There are two incised circles turned on the simple domed butt cap, which has a large integral knob at its center. Overall, this horn measures 11".
This horn has been attributed to the engraver John Small, who is believed to have worked at Fort Pitt.
This particular horn is pictured and described on pages 44 and 45 of Jay Hopkin's book "Bone Tipped and Banded Horns".
Condition: Good, with noted period repair. There is a 9 - 1/2 " crack that is secured with five period staples. There is another 1/2" crack secured by a small period staple. This horn appears to have been shortened. A portion of the of the knob is missing from a break during its period of use. The domed butt cap has period abrasions and indentations from use, but retains some of its old finish.