3489 AUTHENTIC 18th CENTURY POWDER HORN.

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,500.00 USD
Estimated at 3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
This powder horn measures approx. 18” in length and 3 1/4" at the butt. It is accompanied by a lengthy letter of authenticity by noted powder horn expert Walter O’Connor. The horn is heavily decorated and features a horse with full tack and a colonial soldier with the date “1775” beneath. Other engravings include plants, a pig, a rooster, a small ship, scallop designs at the butt, a snake, and several geometric designs. There are two sets of initials, “EK” and “HBS” that could be a source for further research. Also, a crude American flag on a pole can be seen near the colonial soldier; however, it appears to be by a different hand and added after the initial engraving, perhaps 20 years later. The spout has 11 carved flanges and a domed wooden buttcap with a flower in a circle decoration. O’Connor asserts that the horn dates from the Revolutionary War period and was executed by an amateur engraver, most probably the owner. He states that many of the themes follow known horns in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: a letter of authenticity from powder horn expert Walter O'Connor, along with notes from the consignor’s discussions with Walter O’Connor. CONDITION: the horn has some minor splits at the spout, not affecting the body of the horn. The plug appears to be secured with brass and iron nails and has minor losses to the edge, where a loop may have been at one time. There is a small, tight 1.5” crack extending from this area. Generally, the engravings are quite clear and rendered with a folky hand. PROVENANCE: from the Walter O’Connor collection to the consignor. (02-22285/BF). $3,000-5,000.