ENGRAVED POWDER HORN DATED 1771

This beautiful powder horn is a golden cream color and is rather large for a Folky Artist horn at 15 inches around the outside curve. Folky Artist horns are considered "small" ranging in outside curve length of 10 1/2 to less than 15 inches. The engraving on it is on the higher end of the spectrum of Folky Artist horns and covers about 3/4 of the surface.  In addition, the spout is elaborately turned and carved with a uniquely turned concave pine butt.

This horn exhibits classic details in the style used and executed by the Folky Artist and include a fantasy coat of arms resembling the British royal coat of arms which includes a very folky lion in rampart with a folky unicorn surrounding a compass scribed center quatrefoil standard, underneath of which is a brace of canon. There is also a three masted tall ship as well as what is believed to be Solomon's temple, flanked by "brush style" foliage. Solomon's temple is a masonic icon. The horn exhibits a good deal of original polychrome dye. 

According to author Mel Hankla in his excellent article titled "ENGRAVED POWDER HORNS BY THE FOLKY ARTIST" published in the Kentucky Rifle Association Bulletin Volume 31, No.1; Fall 2004 (a copy of which will accompany this horn) Folky Artist horns were not typically owner-named or dated by the original artist, and this horn is no exception.  There are at least two in-period engravings done by a different, less professional hand.  The first are the initials I*E and a second by yet a different hand "R E 1771". Perhaps exhibiting at least two generations of use and ownership by one family, initially by "I E" in the French and Indian War and then perhaps by his son "R E" in the Revolutionary War.

Condition:  Excellent for its age and use.  There are no cracks or chips in the horn per se.  There is an ancient chip on the outer rim of the butt.

 References:  KRA Bulletin Vol. 31, No. 1, Fall 2004 Article titled "ENGRAVED POWDER HORNS BY THE FOLKY ARTIST" by Mel Hankla.