These two powder horns are carved by same artist known as the "Folky Artist". There are different schools of carving known on French and Indian War era horns and Revolutionary War era horns which is the period these horns date. This period between 1750 and 1790 was a time when every American military man carried a powder horn with his rifle. This is also the era of the greatest carvers of powder horns, few of which are known by name as they rarely signed their horns, but most are just known by their distinctive styles. There are groups of horns carved by the "Pointed Tree" carver, the "Memento Mori" carver and the subject carver the "Folky Artist". These artists typically were paid by powder horn owner to be decorated and often named such that one man's distinctive horn could not be mistook for another. Artistry skills and styles vary greatly among these 18th Century pieces of art. The Folky Artist is thought possibly to be a southern artist as southern characteristics such as palmetto trees, long leaf pine sprouts, scenes of dogs running deer, manatees, an alligator and what appears to be a Spanish mission are among the subjects engraved on his horns. One of the horns here is dated 1782. James Julia sold a collection of 13 horns by this artist October 2012, lot #2235. There are recurring themes on many of this unknown artist's horns. The most unusual of these is a hunter with bag, horn and flintlock rifle which is shown on one horn here. He is dressed in Colonial attire; knee britches, frock coat, complete with tri-corn hat. Many times he is with his dogs running an almost comical bug-eyed deer such as represented here. Mel Hankla who originally put this collection together and studied most of the other known "Folky Artist" horns in various institutional collections, states in his pamphlet produced on the "Folky Artist" the reason there are northern and southern scenes with dates ranging from 1759 to 1777. "My personal opinion, at this particular time, is that Folky Artist was on campaign. He was a soldier that was quite probably as far north as the Canadian border…but I also think he was at least as far south as Savannah, Georgia. Almost all of these powder horns have been engraved with an empty cartouche. Thus…I do not think that he was taking orders or making horns for particular individuals. Several have owner's initials or a date scratched in, but most all seem to be from a different hand than that of the maker. I feel he was producing these horns for money or for trade. Perhaps he was producing these horns for someone that was actually dealing and selling these horns as a middleman; a merchant or a "drummer" as they would have been called in the day. Although his work is not what we would usually consider as professional, I think he was somewhat of a professional Horner. I believe he was influenced by what was around him; where he was, the people, where they were from and the norm of the accoutrements that they used. From looking at the whole spectrum of horns made by Folky Artist during the French and Indian War to his horns made well into the American Revolution, my personal opinion is that most were made in the field under a vast range of conditions producing much variety in the quality of workmanship. I feel some were produced under very good conditions and thus were very well wrought. And at the other end of the scale, one horn looks like it was perhaps an early attempt or maybe one of his last while laying on his deathbed!" The horns in this collection have each been assigned a name and individual details are available for each. These two horns would add nicely to the 13 horns that were sold on these floors back in 2012 of this unique French & Indian and Revolutionary War powder horn artist. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Ex-Mel Hankla collection. CONDITION: The two horns here measure 10-3/4" and approximately 13" overall, smaller of the two horns is dated with owners initials 1782 is overall dark, well patinaed with staining and easily discerned details, typical scuffs and wear worn. The larger of the two horns is lightly cleaned but still with discernible with hunter, dogs, deer, bird, town, etc..., wood plug is sound and solid in both horns, smaller horn has numerous small holes and no attaching ring. 50412-82 JS (4,000-6,000)