Frank: yes, definitely older than the 70's. The scrimshaw name Joseph Adams is original to the horn, I believe. Was there when I picked it up. The name may be a popular name, but if it's the Joseph Adams, of Braintree, Mass., mid 1600's great grandson to President John Adams and great great grandson of President John Quincy Adams, that would be quite a piece. And yes, quite a stretch to assume that. I did get it in Boston. Appears to be wooden nails attaching the wooden piece to the end of the horn and the blood stains are interesting. Who knows for sure.
D. Keith: agree, only worth what someone will pay. More of a conversation piece than monetary value.
Rich: appreciate your input.
Thanks to you all for your input. I wish I still had my percussion, black powder, rifle. I had so much fun with it in the woods of Maine back in the day.