May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
With an overall length of 15" (on the curve), this naval priming horn consists of a cowhorn body closed by a turned oak, butt of 3" diameter at its lip, with threaded, oak stopper in the shape of a handle. The tip of the horn fitted with a conical charger formed of sheet-brass, with a cast-brass lever and steel spring. There are two suspension loops of iron wire, the shanks of which are threaded and set into the top of the horn before the plug and after the brass charger. This is the standard version of the artillery priming horn produced under contract with the Board of Ordnance, virtually unchanged in form from the early 18th century to the middle of the 19th. The horn has been painted with a patriotic motif or central device consisting of a panoply of arms, trumpets and British post-1801 naval ensigns, with the figure of Brittania with her oval shield resting before her, on which is further emblazoned the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew, as on the naval ensigns. The painted horn is covered with a period shellac, which has darkened and blistered with age. Painted horns of this type were done by sailor-artisans aboard Royal Navy vessels on the whim of the ship’s commanding officer and are known as early as the War of 1812—a very similar example having been captured aboard HMS Guerriere in 1812 and now in the USS Constitution Museum. The leather suspension cord looped to the stopper handle is of relatively recent manufacture, not original to the horn. CONDITION: Brass charging spout retains a pleasing dark mustard patina and functions properly. Horn body has been varnished long ago and has darkened paint. Some scattered chipping Some crazing and carry wear to original paint. Original wooden plug and threaded knob, original crazed black paint. A very scarce and attractive painted naval horn. JLK