Spring Military Aviation and Militaria Auction
Lot 140A:
Description
This powder horn is constructed from a natural bovine horn with a polished yellow-tan surface. The spout section is composed of a dark material, likely dyed horn or hardwood, transitioning from a round base to an octagonal tip separated by a double-ring turned collar. The junction between the main body and the throat features a carved scalloped or toothed edge. The base is fitted with a carved wooden plug secured by small metal pins and includes an iron staple for the attachment of a shoulder strap. The body is decorated with hand-incised scrimshaw in the folk art tradition characteristic of the late 18th century. Decorative motifs include a field of overlapping semi-circles or fish scale patterns near the throat, numerous stylized spirals, and cross-hatched triangular forms which may represent stylized structures or tents. The central portion of the body contains incised capital letters identified as I W and A N. The letter I was commonly used interchangeably with J in 18th-century script.
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