September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
This Fort Edward horn is inscribed: "Fort Edward - June 17 : 1759 - Elijah Sharp"
"His - horn Succefs to the Brittifh Arms"
"My : Powder : With : my : Brother : Ball : we : Herow : Like : do"
"Conquer : all"
"Our : Duke : is : a Bold Commander"
"this is Defiance"
"To the Proud French"
"Goos & Fox"
This horn is extensively decorated with animals, panels and abstract, wavy lines. The artwork is of a generally high caliber. Animals included on this horn are a mythical griffin, alligator, birds, deer, fox, goose and a well executed dog. There is a hunter who appears to be shooting a fox, which is chasing a goose. There is a blank cartouche with some shading above a cityscape with a shooting cannon. A simple herringbone type border is located below the scalloping at the beginning of the recessed portion of the horn. A simple border is also found at the plug end with a series of shaded half circles on the lobe.
The very slightly domed, pine butt plug is attached with iron pins. There are six iron brads that remain on the plug with pieces of the original strap still attached. The horn measures 13 - 1/2 " overall.
This horn was recorded and drawn, in a stylized manner to showcase its engraving, by Rufus Grider on February 25, 1888 (Drawing F.W. 127). Grider lived in Lititz, PA and travelled extensively in the late nineteenth century to record horns of note. A color copy of this drawing is included.
The horn is found in Grancsay's "American Powder Horns" on page 67, number 764.
Condition: Very Good. Horn has a nice patina on all surfaces. There is slight crazing and darkness around the engraving of an insect, as well as a small area above the cannon, probably from water damage.