Hamilton Horn, Your thoughts

[Bill of the 45th]

What are peoples thoughts on this horn, supposedly belonging to Alexander Hamilton.
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/43151866_the-alexander-hamilton-powder-horn-1773
A bit rich for my blood, at ten grand starting bid, but if the provenance is there, probably worth it.  Wish there were better pic's

Bill

[Shreckmeister]

In my mind clearly an homage piece to Hamilton  paying tribute to his contribution to the westward expansion into the Ohio country.  I think if he had commissioned the piece to be made for himself he wouldn't have accepted the fact that they had to drop the R down below his name to get it to fit. A man of his means Could afford a properly made horn. Just my thoughts

[Cory Joe Stewart]

I agree.  In the early to mid 1800s there was a trend in commemorative horns.  I have seen them on other individuals all the way up to the Civil War. Neat horn, neat story, but probably not owned by Hamilton. 

Coryjoe

[Horner75]

I thinking that it is the real deal.  I don't feel that it was made in the mid 1800's or note that Hamilton commissioned to have it made for himself, but probably presented to him by someone or organization.  A misspelling or a letter dropped or raised out of place was very common and excepted in the era.

Just my opinion!

Rick

[alyce-james]

I agree with Mr. Rick Froehlich's opinion. I have a couple of period correct horns in a small collection and have viewed other originals. Let me say here I'm not an expert at all, just a second opinion. AJ   

[trentOH]

For that kind of money, the provenance would have to be beyond a doubt. I wouldn't rule out the use of radio carbon dating, and I'd expect expert examination of the inks used on the horn. I have not seen the provenance, but I don't fret about it because I can't afford to bid on it anyway.   

[Tim Crosby]

 Looks to me like a factory made horn, from the second half of the 18thc. Actually looks pretty late to me. The paper work with it, from what I can see says he carved it, I take that to mean he did not make it. It also says his son, Bill, carried it for some time and did some carving on it, hence the name Bill on it. To me the collar looks pretty plain and that it is threaded instead of the horn, would be nice to see the tip.
 The provenance with it looks pretty good but once again you can't see it all. If it were a Will, a list of property that was recorded, reference made to in in a diary, etc... it would help.
 Try Zooming in on the paper work, especially the page on the left that is where you will see the reference to Bill and a date trail. It is possible that the story is correct and it would be a neat horn to have, as always; Caveat Emptor.

 Link to Billy:  

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_S._Hamilton


 From what I can find the Mrs. Alexander Hamilton, Angelia Livingston, referred to in the date trail is the wife of Alexander Hamilton, his father James Alexander Hamilton and one of Hamilton's, 1755-1804 Grandsons.

  Tim C.    

[Tim Crosby]

PS: I won't even try to post all the links but if you Google; Alexander Hamilton's Powder horn you will probably get more than you want about the horn. Looks as though at one time it was in the NRA museum. TC

[michaelB.]

It's nice but I didn't read anything about  proof that it did belong to ole' Alex.

Let me alter that statement somewhat.  I see a number of sheets of paper that certainly look like 18th century writing material.  It appears heavy with spidery copperplate writing.  One would think as part of an auction's solicitation for bids, there would be an explanation of what provenance exists and what steps have been taken to verify it.  That is part and parcel of a decent dealer if not auction house.  That's my humble opinion.  I also agree that it looks like later 1800's... screw tip

[Big Wolf]

It's nice but I didn't read anything about  proof that it did belong to ole' Alex.

Let me alter that statement somewhat.  I see a number of sheets of paper that certainly look like 18th century writing material.  It appears heavy with spidery copperplate writing.  One would think as part of an auction's solicitation for bids, there would be an explanation of what provenance exists and what steps have been taken to verify it.  That is part and parcel of a decent dealer if not auction house.  That's my humble opinion.  I also agree that it looks like later 1800's... screw tip

I agree

[Horner75]

Just noticed it sold!