October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
This is an extremely important horn, as it most likely identifies the name of the powder horn artist dubbed "The Pointed Tree Carver". The horn is inscribed JOHANNES GERH'T / GRA / Ao. 1766" in a cartouche. "GRA" is an abbreviation for engraved, which is also the root word for "gravestone and graveyard", according to Webster's Dictionary. In German, it is "Graef". Until this horn was discovered, the identity of the artist of these fantastic horns was a mystery. Johannes Gerhart was the son of Johann Peter Gerhart (1716-1766), who was born in Germany and came to Philadelphia by ship in 1739 and died in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Johannes was born in 1755 and lived until 1829. Johannes (John Gerhart) is listed as a soldier in "Pennsylvania in the War of the Revolution, Associated Battalions and Militia 1775-1783". The curved tapered horn body measure about 9" in length with a relief faceted conical spout section. The engraved portion has a scalloped edge at the top and displays a large British crest on the front. The engraved cartouche is directly below the crest. The only other engraving is a depiction of the classic "Pointed Tree Carver" hunter and dog firing a shot at a running buck. A few simple trees were added during the period by a much less-trained hand. The wooden plug is flat and has a hole in the center. Walter O'Connor and Steve Hench planned to do a KRA article on this horn, but unfortunately it was never completed. CONDITION: Retains a dark honey patina with some darker areas around engraved designs. There are two areas of loss along the top of one side, possibly from a saber, as well as a cut across the legs of the lion in the crest. Some minor losses along edge, near plug. Plug retains a dry unfinished surface with some age cracks. A very interesting powder horn with significant importance to horn collectors and students. PROVENANCE: Purchased from Jackie Eubanks.