3490 EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE AND PROLIFICALLY ENGRAVED

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 500.00 USD
Estimated at 1,000.00 - 2,000.00 USD
MAINE POWDER HORN. This horn measures over 23” long and is 4” in diameter at the butt. It appears to be a sounding horn rather than a powder horn because there is no provision to secure a plug. The widest 13 1/2" of the horn is engraved with the names of several members of the Herriman family, as well as a large rendition of the Ship Ivanhoe, along with an extraordinary use of period iconography. This horn is dated “1881” near the butt amongst what appears to be seaweed with opposing fish above. A ribbon above the fish reads “LOUIS. M.F. GAUVIN MAKER. ONBOARD THE SHIP. IVANHOE” with the rendition of the ship above. Above the ship are several medallions with names, birth places, and birth years for members of the Herriman family. Iconography includes a masonic arch with square and compass with the letters “GL”, likely for Grand Lodge. There is a cornucopia bursting with flowers with initials on the side of the arch. The lower step of the arch reads “LE GRAND ARCHITEC PROTEGE LA FRATERNITE”. At the top of the arch is Noah’s ark, the all-seeing eye, doves of peace, and the words “PEACE”, “JOY”, and “PLENTY”. There is another symbol above showing a crossed anchor and cross superimposed by the heart in hand. A large ribbon at the top reads “MAY YOUR PATHS THROUGH LIFE BE STREWN WITH HEAVEN’S BEST GIFTS”. There are many more engravings on this exceptional horn. Please see photographs for a more complete impression of the scope and variety of decoration. CONDITION: the horn shows wear but is very stable. There are some losses at the butt of the horn that do not really impact this extraordinary piece. (02-21102/BF). $1,000-2,000.