Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.
If you have questions please email antiques@jamesdjulia.com.
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2000
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$2,117.50 |
FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR POWDER HORN CARVED AT LAKE GEORGE FOR AMBROSE NICHOLSON, 1755.13″ horn inscribed in 3 large panels “Ofs NICHOLSONs HORN / D AT LAKE GEORGE / OBER THE 24TH 1755”. Ambrose Nicholson was a private in Col. Goodrich’s 2nd Regiment, Captain Starr’s 1st Company and served from May 14-November 27, 1755. He was 23 when he enlisted. He had continued service in 1756 and 1757 including marching for the relief of Fort William Henry. PROVENANCE: Ex-Bill Guthman Collection; An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Dark “as found” surface. The horn has been shortened during its time of use as portions of text have been cut. Overall, very good and as used. Accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-31 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 2000 |
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2001
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$13,915.00 |
FRENCH & INDIAN WAR HORN OF JACOB BOGAR, FORT OSWEGO, 1759.Fine French & Indian War carved horn, about 16″ overall with British coat of arms and five-line panel “JACOB BOGAR DUS HIS HORN MADE AT OSWAGO OCT YE 18 ANO 1759”. Bogar draws a fine rendition of Fort Oswego showing buildings and shows mortar emplacements outside the fort with lines drawn showing where balls have fallen apparently. Interesting detailed map with the word “Niagara” written to the left but this fort is not in the shape of Niagara, but Oswego. Horn is also embellished with a horse tied to a tree & prancing deer. A pleasant well patinaed & well preserved horn. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Very good and appears as found with smooth patina with good details, wear where expected, wood plugs still have remnants of old blue milk paint and iron staple. 52751-15 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2001 |
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2002
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$58,080.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE & FINE FRENCH & INDIAN WAR PENNSYLVANIA MAP HORN.16-1/2″ overall including original plug which is retained by an attached chain & collar. This horn is in truly remarkable condition with fine surface and starts at base in Philadelphia and moves north along the Allegheny and its forks depicted as Monagahny and Ohio to Lancaster, Carlisle, Shippensburgh, Fort Louden, Fort Lettelton, Fort Stony Creek, Fort Bedford, Fort Ledgner, with great drawing of Fort Pitt with British flag on pole. There are few map horns of this era which show the 1758 Forbes Campaign in the west. Fort Pitt was built upon the abandoned French Fort Duquesne in 1858. This horn was probably carved about this time. Many troops would return to Philadelphia in 1859 and General Forbes died March 11, 1759 after being gravely ill through much of the campaign. This is a marvelous horn with beautiful surface that has been very well cared for and possibly the finest example of its type. PROVENANCE: Cowan’s Auctions, Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 4th, 2009, Lot 3; An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Horn has pleasant patina with some weathering near base but all in all about as fine as you will find for a horn over 250 years old. 52751-37 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 2002 |
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2003
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$21,780.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE, FINE AND DETAILED EARLY FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR MAP HORN OF HENRY LIVINGSTON, SIGNED BY CARVER 1756.Until coming into present estate in 2012, the Henry Livingston horn had been maintained in the original family and has among the most untouched “as found” surfaces and patina with exquisite fine detail. Two panels read “HENRY LIVINGSTON HIS HORN” and “HIS HORN MADE BY SAMUEL PRISNER MORE JUNE YE 11TH 1756”. Though nothing is known of the carver, much is known about Dr. Henry Livingston (1714-1799) who lived near Poughkeepsie, New York. Dr. Livingston had a very large farm growing fruit maintained by slaves. Dr. Livingston served as County Clerk for Duchess County starting in 1742 and was a member of the Provisional Assembly, 1759-1768. He received his Captain commission in the Duchess County militia and “led a detachment to Albany in March 1757 to the relief of Fort William Henry when it was attacked by the enemy”. Livingston had 11 children and at least 2 fought in the Revolutionary War. Horn is 15″ overall and is carved over the entirety of its body showing British coat-of-arms with motto beneath “THE LION AND THE YE UNICORN AFIGHTING FOR THE CROWN”. Bottom of horn starts with City of New York with rivers flowing north. The North and the Mohawk are labeled along with the towns of Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Stone Arabia, German Flatts and other commonly seen sights such as Half-moon tavern on powder horns of this era. Some of the forts noted are Hendrick, Stanwix, Edward, Hunter, and Fort at Stillwater. Four ships of the Royal Navy are shown and labeled with number of guns. Overall, this is among the finest early French and Indian War horns you will find. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall, fine dark patina with good detail with only minor scuffing and light wear to high area. Wood plug originally had a leather strap of which only the ends remain and an old pair of initials carved. Great surface. Bottom end of horn has natural textural imperfections. Lot accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-14 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2003 |
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2004
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$18,150.00 |
FINE IDENTIFED FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR POWDER HORN OF MOSES WALCUT, FORT EDWARDS, 1758.14″ overall with slightly shorter spout but original from time of use. Profusely engraved with large central panel reading in three lines “MOSES WALCUT HORN MADE AT FORT EDWARDS”. A large British coat-of-arms is surrounded by birds, animals, trees and a wonderful, snarling tooth winged horse often referred to as a “hell horse”. There is a large panel of standing soldiers with muskets and the date “1758”. This well known horn is pictured on pages 28 & 29 in Jim Dresslar’s text The Engraved Powder Horn, 1996. Walcut’s served in the 5th Connecticut in the 1757 campaign in relief of Ft. Henry and the entire 1758 campaign in Col. Fitch’s 3rd Connecticut. Ft. Edward was an important fort on the Upper Hudson River built in 1755 at the site of a French trading post and stayed heavily fortified throughout the French and Indian Wars. This is indeed a magnificent horn with great aesthetics and surface. PROVENANCE: Jim Dresslar Collection; An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Good surface with excellent detail, wear at high areas and one laminated 1″ crack near base. Lot accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-30 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2004 |
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2005
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$5,445.00 |
FINE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR MAP HORN WITH INSET SILVER PLAQUE OF OWNER.Interesting map horn, about 15″ overall was much longer as spout has been cut and a 19th century style powder measure has been improvised for potential continued use. Map starts at base with New York, showing several New York cities and several cities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania; goes all the way into the West to Detroit and Ft. Pitt, over 20 cities and forts in all. Large British coat-of-arms is also found. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Good to very good as repaired with modern spout. Accompanied by a very good custom stand. 52751-24 (6,000-8,000) – Lot 2005 |
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2006
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$12,705.00 |
LARGE REVOLUTIONARY WAR POWDER HORN OF REUBEN SIKES, 1775.15″ overall, carved in long central spiraling ribbon “REUBEN SIKES HIS HORN MADE BY HIM IN ROCKSBURY CAMP NOVEM YE 6 1775”. Reuben carves a couple of ships and a nice set of buildings. This horn is pictured on page 28 of Warman’s Antiques and Collectibles 2015 Price Guide. PROVENANCE: Sotheby’s, Lot 240, January 21, 2011 from Estate of Edwin Hochberg; An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Good to very good overall, scrimshaw easily discerned. Good patina, old thin varnish with craquelure. Accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-38 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2006 |
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2007
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$27,225.00 |
FABULOUS GROUP OF THIRTEEN REVOLUTIONARY WAR ERA POWDER HORNS CARVED BY ONE SCRIMSHAWER KNOWN AS THE “FOLKY ARTIST”.This group of horns represents 13 of about 30 known powder horns carved by same artist known as the “Folky Artist”. There are different schools of carving known on French and Indian War era horns and Revolutionary War era horns which is the period “Folky Artist” worked. The period between 1750 and 1790 was a time when every American military man carried a powder horn with his rifle. This is also the era of the greatest carvers of powder horns, few of which are known by name as they rarely signed their horns, but most are just known by their distinctive styles. There are groups of horns carved by the “Pointed Tree” carver, the “Memento Mori” carver and the subject carver the “Folky Artist”. These artists typically were paid by powder horn owner to be decorated and often named such that one man’s distinctive horn could not be mistook for another. Artistry skills and styles vary greatly among these 18th Century pieces of art. The “Folky Artist” is thought possibly to be a Southern artist as Southern characteristics such as palmetto trees, long leaf pine sprouts, scenes of dogs running deer, manatees, an alligator and what appears to be a Spanish mission are among the subjects engraved on his horns. There also appears on one horn to be the Hessian symbol of a double headed eagle. The only Hessian settlement in the South was at that time the Salzburger Colony on Saint Simons Island just off the coast of Savannah, Georgia. Of these 13 powder horns collected; 3 had Southern provenance. One horn known by this artist is identified to Aaron Lott of Charlestown, South Carolina and is dated 1777. There are recurring themes on many of this artist’s horns, the most distinctive being his unique curly haired lion, stylized coat of arms, his stylized sun with face, King Solomon’s Temple and among the most unusual is a hunter with bag, horn and flintlock rifle, dressed in Colonial attire; knee britches, frock coat, complete with tricorn hat. Many times he is with his dogs running an almost comical bug-eyed deer. At least twice he is found portraying “Adam” with his hat in one hand and accepting an apple from an 18th Century clad “Eve” in the other. Often circle designs are found with two or three smaller spheres inside with “sun, moon and stars” or other personified faces carved within them. Another unique feature of this carver is a moth-like bug and/or a floral type vine with a bloom resembling a thistle blossom. Mel Hankla who originally owned 12 of these horns (13th horn ex-collection of Jim Dressler). Hankla published an article in the May 2005 Gun Report and most of these horns are shown in that article including 4 which are on the cover. Mr. Hankla also had an award winning display at the 49th Annual Baltimore Antique Gun Show and produced a pamphlet “The Folky Artist” that details each of the 12 horns here from his collection. “My personal opinion, at this particular time, is that Folky Artist was on campaign. He was a soldier that was quite probably as far North as the Canadian border…but I also think he was at least as far South as Savannah, Georgia. Almost all of these powder horns have been engraved with an empty cartouche. Thus…I do not think that he was taking orders or making horns for particular individuals. Several have owner’s initials or a date scratched in, but most all seem to be from a different hand than that of the maker. I feel he was producing these horns for money or for trade. Perhaps he was producing these horns for someone that was actually dealing and selling these horns as a middleman; a merchant or a “drummer” as they would have been called in the day. Although his work is not what we would usually consider as professional, I think he was somewhat of a professional Horner. I believe he was influenced by what was around him; where he was, the people, where they were from and the norm of the accoutrements that they used. From looking at the whole spectrum of horns made by “Folky Artist” during the French and Indian War to his horns made well into the American Revolution, my personal opinion is that most were made in the field under a vast range of conditions producing much variety in the quality of workmanship. I feel some were produced under very good conditions and thus were very well wrought. And at the other end of the scale, one horn looks like it was perhaps an early attempt or maybe one of his last while laying on his deathbed!” This is a wonderful and probably the largest grouping that will ever be assembled by one French & Indian and Revolutionary War powder horn artist. SIZE: Horns vary in size from 9″ to 14″. PROVENANCE: Ex-Mel Hankla collection, Michael Worley collection, 2006: except brass tag # 149 Jim Dressler collection with his collection # 59. The Gun Report, Vol. 50, #12, May, 2005 where 3 of these horns are pictured on the cover and 9 of the horns are pictured in the article on pgs. 24 thru 31. Pictured in article, pgs. 6-7 of the Dec. 2010 issue of The Horn Book. An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Overall condition on most horns is very good. Several of the horns have seen use later then their time of manufacture. Three of the horns have additional names and dates carved such as on the 1775 horn which has an added date of 1837; as can be seen in photographs. There is minor insect damage, if any to most horns. Surfaces of horns are mostly smooth with good patina with exception. “The Coat of Arms” horn with the Hessian eagle which has eroded areas about 2″ into horn from base that makes engraving difficult to see in those areas, but this horn which is 14″ overall and has 11″ of carved design is only partially affected. This lot accompanied by 13 custom stands that are very good as seen in photography. 52751-8 (25,000-30,000) – Lot 2007 |
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2008
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$20,570.00 |
IMPORTANT AND HISTORIC IDENTIFIED REVOLUTIONARY WAR MAP HORN WITH REPRESENTATION OF AN EARLY PROPOSED COAT-OF-ARMS FOR THE UNITED STATES.17″ overall identified to “THOMAS BARBER 1780”. The great significance of this horn is a carved 3″ x 3″ panel framed in laurel with a central device of a hand holding 13 spread arrows in shape of a bow tie with the ends reading “UNITED STATES”, on either side of arrows is a large “GW” honoring General George Washington. Above the arrows are two furled early renditions of the “stars and stripes”, between the flags are a pair of crossed swords and a pair of drums. The bottom of the device has two cannon. The depiction of bundle of arrows in a hand is seen on other horns and dates back to 16th century heraldry. New Hampshire Colony had it as part of its seal and South Carolina used it on Colonial currency in 1775. The emblem was also used on a New York regimental battle flag, 1776. However, the depiction with other patriot devices is remarkable with wording “UNITED STATES” at arrow ends is remarkable. In 1780, this soldier must have been feeling victory and a new nation emerging. Horn is incredibly carved with a map showing various New York locations including Long Island, Staten Island, New York City, New Rochelle, West Point, Fishkill, Albany, and other spots that abbreviations and old spelling could be decoded. Elizabethtown, New Jersey is shown just off of Staten Island. The Hudson River and Mohawk River are neither named on the map, but weave among the carvings with the various towns and forts. One fort shown in a settlement is flying an American “stars and stripes” flag which like in the central seal is so rarely seen on American horns. Other vignettes include a scene of Boston and ships between Staten Island and Long Island. Based on all the New York content in the map Thomas Barber is thought to be from Peekskill as he appears on a 1777 and 1799 muster roll with Captain Azor Barnum commanding company under Col. Hopkins militia which defended the south approaches of the Hudson River. Thomas Barber is listed as a private with war service 1778-1782 from the History of Little Nine Partners & Pine Plains, NY Duchess County, by Issac Huntting, 1897 (Chapter 6, page 54) PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Very good overall, good “as found” surface showing wear to high areas. The original carved wood plug is intact and complete but has lost its retaining nails which could easily be restored (and should). Lot is accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-1 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2008 |
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2009
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$16,335.00 |
IMPORTANT AND HISTORIC “SAMUEL LUMBARD” REVOLUTIONARY WAR POWDER HORN INSCRIBED “LIBERTY 1775”.This is as fine a Revolutionary War scrimshawed horn as you will find with wonderful “as found” patina and great surface. Inscribed in long panels “SOLOMON LUMBARD HIS / HORN MADE WICKED CAMBRIDG / OCTOBER 18 1775”. Inside curvature is finely scrimshawed in 4″ long panel “LIBERTY 1775”. Rest of body is scrimshawed in floral, geometric and pinwheel devices in typical folk art style of the era. On the unusual 1-1/2″ stepped-down portion of horn that abuts plug is inscribed somewhat cryptic name in 3 lines, possibly family members “ELIF”, “ELIPH”, “BEN”. This horn is pictured in a 5 page article in the Spring 2011 KRA Bulletin by Lauren Wengerd, Solomon Lumbard His Horn. “The date on the horn, October 18, 1775, is when the British trashed Falmouth, Maine. At that point, Solomon Lumbard’s home was in Gorham, Maine only 14 miles away.” Solomon Lumbard applied for a pension in 1833 when he was 80 years old stating that “he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated, that on the 20th day of April 1775 he volunteered in a company raised in the town of Coventry in the State of Connecticut to go to Lexington in the state of Massachusetts, the day after the Battle of Lexington under the command of Lt. Samuel Robinson who acted as Commander. He and the whole company marched to Cambridge Massachusetts where they remained one month as volunteers. Then in the month of May, sometime the latter part, he enlisted into a company commanded by Captain Israel Putnam in Col. Store’s regiment, for the term of 8 months and at the expiration of the term applied to General Putnam for his discharge who refused to discharge him and the other members of the company, and had him with the company marched to General Washington’s headquarters and informed him that he suspected the company was going to leave the army at a critical time, and that General Putnam was determined that they should not go although their term of enlistment was out. General Washington then told the company that if they would willingly stay one month longer, he would then discharge them himself, and give them one months pay to carry them home. In August 1776, Daniel Turner was drafted in Coventry to go to White Plains and Solomon Lumbard went and served as substitute for Turner in Capt. Riley’s company and Col. Stores regiment of militia and fought at the Battle of White Plains, October 28, 1776. Lumbard had continued service through 1779 according to his Revolutionary War pension record which is copied verbatim in the KRA Bulletin which accompanies this lot. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Very good overall, horn shows light wear at high areas and edges. Smooth patina as noted. One tiny chip on one edge does not affect aesthetics. Scrimshaw inscriptions are crisp and easily read. Yellow pine plug is scuffed with hand worn patina with an old ink collection number “185”. Accompanied custom stand is fine. 52751-28 (7,000-9,000) – Lot 2009 |
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2010
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$6,655.00 |
GROUP OF 4 REVOLUTIONARY WAR ERA POWDER HORNS.1) 12″ fully scrimshawed horn with row of houses, various foliage leaves and a duck. Pleasant, light patina with wood plug and carved rings toward spout. 2) 12″ overall. Folky carved animal, fish and floral designs with name “ASA PATEE 1763” carved in one panel and an additional panel carved “1775” over “SANT JOHNS”. 3) 15″ horn carved “FRAMINGHAM / P.D. HIS HORN”. Horn is covered with geometric and floral designs, notched top edge and spout. 4) Well crafted horn inscribed in script “TELASSER HEGINS”, “TH”. Interesting rendition of personage with rifle, deer, Tree of Life, cock, ship, wagon, house and other motifs. Horn is well crafted with carved plug with scallop decorated rim and pewter spout with wood plug. Not accompanied by stands. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: 1) Very good overall, smooth surface. Cracks and staining at tacks holding plug. 2) Good overall with old varnish coating. Surface has mixed light to dark surfaces. Plug still retains remnants of old red paint. 3) Good to very good overall. Smooth, well patinaed surface with staining and areas of insect damage. 4) Very good overall. Smooth, well patinaed surface with minor cosmetic chipping. 52751-4 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2010 |
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2011
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$12,705.00 |
REVOLUTIONARY WAR ERA MICMAC DECORATED HORN OF ROBERT MERCER.Horn measures 14″ overall with large panel with name “ROBERT MERCER”. Horn originally belonged to a relative of Robert’s as underneath Robert can be found remnants of original carving whose name starts with “JON”. Maybe brother or other relative was killed and Robert inherited this finely decorated horn with the varying designs of double curves commonly utilized by Northeastern Micmac tribe. Micmac designs on horns are quite rare and this is a fine example that further research may identify the owners. PROVENANCE: Ex-Jim Dressler Collection; Ex-Steve Fuller Collection; An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Very good overall. Good “as found” patina, original wood plug with carved swirl design. Accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-44 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 2011 |
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2012
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$6,050.00 |
FINE REVOLUTIONARY WAR POWDER HORN OF BERIAH STILES.11″ overall with large panel “BERIAH STILES HIS HORN / MADE IN CAMPS MARCH 10TH 1777”. Horn has fine detailed vignettes of two forts with cannon; one labeled “FW” (possibly Ft. Washington on Manhattan Island) and the other “BH”. There is also a 3-masted ship labeled “THE S.R.”. Beriah Stiles (1760-1839) was born in Hebron, Connecticut and served in at least 3 enlistments during the way, 1775-1783 originally enlisting as a fifer, note he was 15 when he enrolled. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Very good overall, good detail, and clean surface with some erosion near butt as seen in photos. Accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-46 (3,000-4,000) – Lot 2012 |
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2013
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$1,210.00 |
TWO INTERESTING 18TH CENTURY AMERICAN POWDER HORNS OF ELISHA PROUTY, 1785 AND JOHN WOODLAND, OLD PERLICAN.1) 16″ overall, long panel reads “1785 ELISHA PROUTY HIS HORN”. The rest of the body is scrimshawed in geometrically framed panels with designs of hearts, animals, people, and geometric flourishes. This horn is mentioned in the text American Engraved Powder Horns: A Study Based on the J. H. Grenville Gilbert Collection, 1945 as property of C. Stanley Jacob, Plainfield, N.J. 2) 14-1/2″ horn engraved in two large panels “JOHN WOODLAND OLD PERLICAN”. Old Perlican was an early 17th C settlement in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and I doubt there is another horn signed from there. Horn is decorated with sailing ship, mermaid, squid, gulls, and fish. |
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2014
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$2,238.50 |
WAR OF 1812 POWDER HORN “LIBERTY OR DEATH”.Fine 14″ horn with central motto “LIBERTY OR DEATH” carved in 5″ panel. Raised base of horn carved with “JAMES MCANE 1808”. Horn is also engraved with folk art, Masonic emblem, geometric and animal motifs. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Very good overall. Designs easily read with staining and light cosmetic insect damage. Wood plug has iron staple and nicely carved sunburst. Edges at top are notched with decorated borders. Accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-9 (1,200-1,500) – Lot 2014 |
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2015
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$7,865.00 |
CIRCA 1836 TANSEL FAMILY POWDER HORN FROM DIRECT FAMILY DESCENT, “AS FOUND”.The Tansel family was probably the most famous and prodigious of 19th century American powder horn engravers. This 12″ horn exhibits classic, well executed Tansel designs, 4″ spread-winged eagle with riband below arc reading “E. PLURIBUS UNUM” and twenty-five stars. The eagle is gripping arrows in one talon and a very long and detailed olive branch in the other. Also carved is a well figured lion, a stag and another beast. There is also a cannon carved above a serpent. Classic fish mouth engrailing enhanced with v-notch cuts at spout end with drapery border at both ends. This horn is unsigned, so we don’t know which son of Francis Tansel made it, but based on the twenty-five stars, we can date this horn most likely to the year 1836 as there was only a one year period in American history when we had twenty-five states. Andrew Jackson was President of the United States when Arkansas was admitted to the Union June 15, 1836. Michigan became the twenty-sixth state, July 4, 1837. Not accompanied by stand. PROVENANCE: Keller/Hottel family direct descent, family still maintains long rifle that accompanied it. CONDITION: This horn saw long use in the field as the side that would rub against the hunting bag is worn quite smooth and lost all of its scrimshawed pattern, but horn has been well cared for with a good patina with some weathering as can be seen in photos. 52827-1 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 2015 |
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2016
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$3,327.50 |
VERY FINE POLYCHROME TANSEL FAMILY POWDER HORN.This is among the finest Tansel family horns noted. This 16″ horn, including carved spout, exhibits fine scrimshawed classic, well-executed Tansel designs, 5″ spread-winged eagle with riband reading “E. PLURIBUS UNUM” in arc, two deer, a serpent, bearded hunter wearing buckskins with flintlock rifle. Classic fish mouth engrailing enhanced with v-notch cuts at spout, and drapery border. This is a beautiful example which would be difficult to upgrade for overall surface and aesthetics. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Fine overall. Separate horn tip appears original to time of use with matching wear and patina with wood plug with iron staple. Tacked in place by combination of nails and brass tacks. Colors have faded substantially, but surface retains fine smooth mellow patina. The date “1790” below the eagle appears to be in a different hand, though well patinaed. Accompanying custom stand is fine. 52751-42 (5,000-7,000) – Lot 2016 |
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2017
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$18,150.00 |
FINE, LARGE NEW YORK MAP HORN.17″ overall. Beautiful surface with British coat-of-arms above panoply of arms. Map starts in New York Harbor with sailing ships, a compass and two rivers splitting showing the forts on the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, also showing Lake George and Lake Champlain. Top part of horn also shows parts of Canada, including Ft. Ontario and Quebec. This is a beautiful, highly detailed horn also showing troops with much detail as can be seen in photographs. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Very good overall. Worn in high areas as expected. Missing plug and spout. Accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-34 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2017 |
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2018
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$78,650.00 |
INCREDIBLE CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA MAP HORN.About 12″ overall with silver covered plug. Incredibly carved with exquisite detail showing a view of Charleston and the rivers running from Charleston branching into the “Congarees”, “Saux Tee”, “Keeowee” and others. Detailed figure of a soldier, two game cocks, two men dueling with swords and other vignettes as can be seen in photos. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Very good overall. Good patina and detail. Worn area at base of city drawing as can be seen in photos. Lobe is broken and has been missing for a long time as noted by patina and glue repair between remnant of lobe and silver disc which has engraved border decoration. Accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-2 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2018 |
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2019
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$2,420.00 |
RARE “TIMOTHY TANSEL” SIGNED POWDER HORN WITH GREAT COLLECTOR HISTORY.Classic Tansel family horn measuring 10-1/2″ overall with 3″ spreadwing eagle holding ribbon in beak “E PLURIBUS UNUM” in a cloud of stars. Other devices include 5 carved dogs and deer with 2″ signature “TIM. TANSEL” in large shaded script. Signed Tansel family horns are quite rare, especially in such large panel. Cross-hatched drapery borders are found on either edge of carving at base and around plain fish mouth shape at top of body which retains carved spout. PROVENANCE: Joe Kindig Collection; Wallace Gusler Collection; Charlie Kaufman Collection; An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Good to very good overall, traces of old polychrome, good detail. 1-1/2″ reduction at base rim which appears from wear as it is well patinaed and rounded. Spout has several hairlines. Horn cap is smooth with metal tack and painted collection numbers. Lot accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-3 (5,000-7,000) – Lot 2019 |
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2020
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$5,747.50 |
LARGE LOT OF 18TH & 19TH CENTURY POWDER HORNS, HUNTING BAGS AND IMPLEMENTS.This group consists of 8 powder horns of which 3 have fine scrimshaw decoration; one made for “CORNELIUS R FORBES MARCH 16 1811 IN MIDDLETOWN VERMONT”, another horn dated “1794”” with initials of owner, another scrimshawed with very interesting fantastical beasts and dated “1822”. Another horn 13″ overall with 3-piece ebony and bone spout is relief carved with fish mouth engrailing, relief carved hearts, poly-chromed mermaid and “SEE WE FOOLS IN FOREST DARK FAR BEYOND TRUE LOVES HEART”. This particular horn is possibly carved by a mariner considering use of stepped ivory spacer between cap and body. Another horn is attached with strap to its hunting bag with carved horn measure attached. The other two hunting bags also retain powder measures; one carved horn, the other brass. Rest of grouping consists of 3 plain horns and leather and brass shot flask. Not accompanied by stands. SIZE: Sizes of horns vary, one 4″, others 8″ to 11″. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: The 3 full scrimshaw horns are each very good overall with fairly smooth patinas, the 1822 dated horn has several small chips as can be seen in photos. The mermaid horn has loose spout, overall good patina. Other horns are fair to good. Shot flask is dry but good impression of dog under tree, flattened functional measure. The leather hunting bag with horn attached is sound with resewn carrying strap and horn strap. Other two hunting bags are fair showing considerable use. One has re-attached thin strap. The earliest bag with deer skin front has leather strap, powder measure has small ball mold, worm and two carved bone tools inside now in display in case. Carrying strap is original but fragile and broken. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Please read the Conditions of Sale, section 15, for more information regarding the Endangered Species Act, and your responsibilities as a buyer. 52751-5 (3,000-5,000) ESA – Lot 2020 |
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2021
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$605.00 |
1849 DATED TANSEL STYLE POWDER HORN.10″ overall, Tansel style 2-1/2″ spreadwing eagle with holding ribbon in beak with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” in cloud of swirling stars. Other vignettes include dogs chasing a deer and two panels with owner’s initials “L.O.P.” and “1849”. Stylized fish mouth engrailing with drapery border. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Horn is dark and appears “as found”. Several chips in body. Base appears to have been shortened as drapery decoration is seen cut but has been done for a long time as patina appears matching including iron retaining pins. Wood cap missing its tack. Lot accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-21 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 2021 |
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2022
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$2,178.00 |
MASSIVE 19TH CENTURY SCRIMSHAW HORN WITH RHYME, 28TH REGIMENT.20-1/2″ green horn with large rendition of Neptune being pulled by team of seahorses. Infantry horn inscribed “28TH REGIMENT” and script initials of owner which appear to read “TBE”. There is also a rendition of a gentleman on horseback with pack of dogs apparently in a fox hunt and a great rhyme in 4 lines: “WHEN THE HORN CALLS TO ARMS / BRAVE SOLDIERS OBEY. / WHEN FREE FROM WARS ALARMS / THEY DRINK FROM THE HORN SO GAY”. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Good overall. Some erosion and wear of carving toward spout. Overlapping notched rim above plug is about 2/3 missing. Accompanied by very good custom stand. 52751-40 (800-1,200) – Lot 2022 |
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2023
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$6,655.00 |
FINE CARVED POWDER HORN, QUEBEC.About 12″ overall. Fine well patinaed horn which has worn smooth on inside diameter from long use. Horn is carved with city scenes of Quebec and has inscription above “QUIBECK”. Different buildings are coded with different letters of unknown meaning but an interesting, well preserved horn. PROVENANCE: Cowan’s Auctions, Cincinnati, Ohio, October 25, 2011, Lot 1. An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Very good overall, smooth surface with dark patina except where worn which is much lighter. Original plug has iron staple. 52751-22 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 2023 |
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2024
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$1,452.00 |
POWDER HORN “MARK BOND, BRIMFIELD 1776”, POSSIBLY CONTEMPORARY.This horn is carved almost identically to the John Bond horn shown on page 120 of Powder Horns Documents of History by Tom Grinslade, 2007. This horn shows dark amber color consistent with patina seen on antique horns but shows little or no wear. Two panels read “MARK BOND / HIS HORN” & “BRIMFIELD DEC 11 1776”. This Brimfield panel also has small arc beneath “MARK BOND”. Cap has brass tack decoration and pewter throat. As noted in the estimate we are not sure if this horn is a contemporary copy or old therefore the estimate reflects price as contemporary, but we are sure the experts will let us know if we are wrong. Not accompanied by stand. SIZE: 17-1/2″ overall. PROVENANCE: An extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Dark “as found” surface with light erosion near base, weathered plug, missing several tacks, the leather strap has been poorly resewn and glued. 52751-36 (500-700) – Lot 2024 |
