November 17, 2020 Early Arms & Militaria: Age of Exploration, Empire & Revolution
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2020
According to the consignor, this horn came from a family near Oswego, New York and was examined by well-known horn dealer/collector, Rockwell Gardner; he noted it was probably a pre-French and Indian War horn, made around 1740-50 based on the carving, and was probably copied from a European tapestry. There is a small tree and 1772 date on the horn that someone over the years scratched in, definitely period, which indicates it’s earlier manufacture. Rocky felt the horn was carved by a professional for resale since it has a blank cartouche for a name. The family tree that came with this horn has a Nathaniel Taylor listed, who is also listed in the book New York in the Revolution, as having served during the Revolutionary War. The horn itself measures about 11" across the bow. There is a relief ring at the tip and two relief rings farther down at the base of the spout section. The main body begins with a relief ring and it is engraved with folky designs, such as a floral vase set between several buildings. There are also other cityscapes, a vacant owner's cartouche, a floral tree, a folk art buck being chased by a dog, and a hunter in 18th Century attire holding a flintlock rifle. This scene is one of the "Folky Artist's" signature engraving designs. The flat wooden plug is retained by wooden pins and has a replaced brass and iron carrying strap lanyard in the center. CONDITION: Very good overall, showing a few scattered marks. The main body retains a pleasing light honey patina. DMG