September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
This classically carved horn by The Master Carver is inscribed: "Thomas Hooton October 24 . 1763".
This well conceived horn was executed with much thought and great detail. Most images are drawn and shaded to make it appear as if they are in three dimensions. The center of this horn features a band of five well conceived and well engraved Indians, all carrying weapons and a large British flag. Below this fearsome band is a walled, shoreline city, also sporting a British flag. A three masted ship is pictured approaching the city in the harbor. Above the band of Indians are archways with a harp, a trumpeter, a gentleman and two figures embracing. Immediately above the harp is a crown, which is partially scraped off. Above the arches are four large birds and several smaller animals carved in the background.
This horn is fitted with a painted, flat butt plug. There is nicely carved scalloping at the beginning of the faceted, recessed portion of the horn. There are also two broad rings below the cannon barrel spout. Overall, this horn measures 14 inches.
Walter attributed this horn to The Master Carver. He attributed only 19 horns to this skilled hand. Walter felt very highly of this horn, placing it at the top of his list of Master Carver horns.
Condition: Good, as described. All engraved images are very clear and in excellent condition. The midsections of the two embracing figures have been purposefully rubbed out. The lobe has been broken and is missing, with the exception of a small fragment which remains attached. It appears to have been sealed at the plug end with some sort of reddish substance, in an old repair. There is a one inch crack in the plug as well. A 1/2 inch piece of the spout lip is also missing.
Large horn in exceptional condition. This horn shows accurate depictions of Native Americans done from first-hand sightings.