November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/7/2018
This large powder horn measures about 20-1/2" overall including plugs. The curved three stage 18" body features a 6" long, tapered and faceted spout followed by a 2-1/4" section of convex relief carved scales. The main body of the horn measures about 11" and depicts a large folk art mermaid with exposed breasts and posed holding a flower. Separating the engraved panels are three relief ribs. The second section of decoration features floral engraving including a snake wrapped around a palmetto tree. A large date "1759" is engraved with integral flowers on each numeral. Large initials incorporating flowers and leaves "JF VN. (small) PF", possibly a horn made to celebrate a wedding. The top of the scaled section has a U-shaped iron hook for a sling. The turned butt retains its original threaded turned wooden plug. The bone spout stopper is a contemporary replacement. The horn is complete with a custom made steel wire stand with a have iron base, which displays the horn showing the mermaid on the front and date 1759. CONDITION: Excellent. This horn retains a mellow honey patina and shows very little use. The butt retains a pleasing patina with probably all of the original finish. PROVENANCE: This beautiful folk art horn was purchased from the collection of Jim Dresslar.