September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
This rare Bush engraved horn is inscribed: "NICHOLAS CURRIER Fort William Henry, Nov'r 4th, 1756"
There are only approximately eight known John Bush attributed powder horns in existence. Few of which have been offered for sale publicly until now. This horn is decorated with vines, flowers, and other organic shapes. There is a decorated border on both the plug and spout ends of the horn. The capital "F" on the word "Fort" has been illuminated with an Indian head, including feather.
This horn is fitted with a flat plug, which has a period nail for attaching a strap. The plug is attached with six iron pins. There is also old threading at the end of the spout. The overall length of this horn is 13 inches.
An African American clerk in the company of Captain David Baldwin, John Bush carved several known horns while stationed at Fort William Henry in 1755 and 1756. According to Bill Guthman, Bush also carved at least seven horns before he was captured by the French and Indians in 1757. Tom Grinslade notes that Bush and five other men were reported as "having died on board [of a prison ship] on passage to France" in an October 1758 article printed in the "Boston Gazette". His distinct style was copied by other highly skilled horn engravers and he might be regarded as one of the founders of the Lake George School of horn engravers.
The date carved on this horn is of note. Another horn in this sale is dated November 6, 1756, only two days later than this horn. The horn was owned by Ebenezer Knap and also carved by Bush at Fort William Henry.
"This horn descended in the family of Nathaniel Currier (1813-1888), the celebrated printmaker, and is accompanied by several 18th century deeds bearing the signature of his ancestor, the horn's original owner."
Condition: Very Good. There is a 2 - 1/2 inch crack at the plug end.