November 17, 2020 Early Arms & Militaria: Age of Exploration, Empire & Revolution
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2020
A panel on this powder horn is dated February 27, 1760, which corresponds with the attack of sixty Cherokee warriors on Fort Dobbs in North Carolina, during the French and Indian War. It is quite possible that the owner of this powder horn was present during the attack and commemorated that date on the powder horn. The horn itself is large, measuring about 14-1/2" overall across the bow. The horn features an ornately carved spout section, with multiple relief wedding bands, followed by another section of turned rings. The main body has a scalloped and engraved edge, followed by five engraved rings. The front of the horn displays a cityscape with a massive church and other buildings. Below this is a cartouche inscribed "PB 1766". There are other scattered designs including finely executed scrolls intertwined with tulips and other floral motifs. There are also two long and detailed sea serpents and three birds, as well as a small sailing vessel. Towards the plug, there is a scalloped brass band with two engraved rings. The bulbous convex wooden plug has an iron staple in the center for strap attachment. CONDITION: Some chipping to rings on spout section. Main body retains a pleasing dark honey patina, with some scattered areas of deterioration due to moisture, mostly on the back of the horn. The hand carved wooden plug shows some cracking from age and a section with some deterioration also on the backside. A couple pins on the brass band have been replaced, and the band itself retains a dark brown mustard patina. This horn features an appealing date and has extremely nice architecture. PROVENANCE: Ex-Jim Dresslar, Jay Hopkins, and Wallace Gusler Collections. DMG