May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
The so-called "Pointed Tree Carver" was a prolific horn engraver in the mid-18th century, named for his paintbrush-shaped trees that are characteristically found on his horns, including this example. In addition, there is often a man hunting a Deer. He was one of the finest professional engravers of the period. Examples with a name in the inscription cartouche are rare. This small horn measures only 7 - 1/2" overall, across the bow. Spout features a vase turning. Curved body is engraved with a cartouche inscribed "THOMAS / CLIFFORD / ANO DOMINI / 1764". Above there are flowers originating from the top of the cartouche. Around the base, there is a hunter with smoke coming from his rifle, as his four Dogs chase an altered Deer and a Fox. Below the inscription cartouche, there is an engraved hunting lodge with a "pointed tree" in the shape of a paintbrush. CONDITION: Retains a pleasing honey patina, shows heavy wear to engraving overall. Just below the tip there is some flaking of the top layer of horn and some deterioration to top layer on back side of horn. There are a couple areas of scattered insect damage and some losses around the butt. Plug is absent. A very nice small Pointed Tree Carver powder horn with a dated identification that warrants further research. DMG