18th C horse folk art

[axelp]

howdy all I am looking for visual samples of 18th C PA horse folk art to work with as a finial for a patchbox. anyone have any samples for inspiration? I have googled and found some 18th C paintings but would like to see more folk art samples. focused on the head and neck actually.

thanks

Ken

[Acer Saccharum]

Look up 'fractur'  and also PA redware. Like what Erin Kettenburg does. Her work is inspired from the originals, and she has a number of horse themes in her work.

http://web.mac.com/kettenburgs/Site/Pennsylvania_Redware.html

[Stophel]

"Fraktur"   

Not an awful lot of horses in Fraktur art, actually.

[axelp]

I thought about looking at weather vane art, and I have also looked at 18th C painters this has been a help, but in my sketching I have yet to nail what seems right to me.. It either looks too modern or it looks too toony... I aint givin up...

Ken

[heinz]

Ken, I would suggest you do something based on the closed loop bird figure that are out there on originals patchbox finials.  Like  the one the House clan refers to as a "pukin buzzard"..  Adjusting the neck and head figure to horsey characteristis should be simple

[axelp]

where would I find an example of that? I think I know what you are referring too but...

K

[JTR]

I guess you've looked at the horse head PB finale's as done by M. Fordney, G. Feder, and Abraham Schweitzer, in Kindigs book? Probably a few others as well, but their names don't ring a bell right now.

John

[axelp]

yer makin me blush... no I do not have that book... I am not a builder actually... is there any online reference?

thanks

Ken

[bgf]

Here's a page in the Muzzleloader Builder's Supply patchbox list.  Scroll down until you see the Abraham Schweitzer horse sketch.
http://muzzleloaderbuilderssupply.com/cgi-bin/mbscart/agora.cgi?cart_id=4642143.22549*kF0Es0&next=25&product=Patchboxes
Sorry if you've already seen it, but I thought it might save you some trouble or give you some ideas.   

[HIB]

Ken,  I think I am correct in stating the Kindig book is still available. I last saw it advertized in Muzzleloader magizine either available directly from George Shumway or Schurlock Publishing.  I just took a quick look and found 12 great examples of the horse head used as a design on finials. The formal name of the book is 'Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age'. Last I looked it was in it's forth printing.

Not sure how good it will turn out but if you can't find the book contact me directly and I'll attempt to photograph the examples that are not duplicates of one mans work. Regards,  HIB

[HIB]

Ken,  Regarding the above post. I'm stretching my talents some what but I just got a decent B & W of one of the 12 Horse Head finials in Kindig's book. The wonder of digital camera's always amazes me.  Contact me directly as I have no way of contacting you as your e-mail address is suppressed.  HIB

[heinz]

I knew I had seen that horsehead finial already.  Shumway does have Kindigs book.  I recently purchased a backup copy for the battleworn 1st edition that sits on my workbench.  Many public library's have a copy or can get one on interlibrary loan.  I believe it is still a must for Golden Age period rifles.