GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
FINE POLYCHROME TANSEL FAMILY POWDER HORN, CIRCA 1830.This is among the finest Tansel family horns noted. It was carved by one of Francis Tansel's sons, most likely Timothy according to accompanying research. Based on extensive research, this horn has a most impressive collection history dating back as early as 1936 in a Metropolitan Museum of Art study and once residing at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) til de-accessed. This 15-1/2" horn, including original plug, exhibits fine scrimshawed classic well executed Tansel designs, 3-1/2" spread-winged eagle with riband reading "E. PLURIBUS UNUM", two large Indians (thought to be Black Hawks), 3-1/2" tall shooting bow and arrows, a running deer, a serpent and ribbon reading "C.ELEWIS WASHINGTON" and a fine mounted view of we believe to be William Henry Harrison on horseback shooting a pistol. Classic fish mouth engrailing enhanced with v-notch cuts at spout end with drapery border at both ends. Horn retains its original leather strap in relatively sound condition which is quite rare. This is a beautiful example of a Black Hawks eras horn with fine surface and esthetics that would be difficult to upgrade. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Ex-Donald D. MacMillan, NYC, 1936; Referenced in Stephen V. Grancsay's American Engraved Powder Horns, 1946, Grancsay No. 914, pg 72; Ex-Wilson Douglas, Jr. Collection; Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), Winston-Salem, NC, 1970; Ex-Collection of Gordon Crumpler, Colonial Heights, VA, 1976; Ex-Dr. Franklin P. Watkins, Richmond, VA; Wayne McNeese Collection, 2001. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Good, well patinaed surface with some color still present from polychrome ink coloring, especially blues. There is a 1" crack at base plug, and about a 1" carved out chip several inches from spout which is well patinaed over which do not effect overall esthetics. Attached supple leather strap is very good and sound though heavily crazed and cracked overall. Plug is also very good with dark patina and is photographed in early photographs of horn as original. Custom made stand for this horn is in matching fine condition. 50428-9 JS (8,000-12,000)