Author Topic: A Horn Quiz  (Read 3862 times)

Offline bigbat

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A Horn Quiz
« on: August 23, 2009, 06:22:25 PM »
Here is a neat horn for the viewers to speculate on. I am sure of the regeon but it will be interesting to read the feedback. 




Offline Randy Hedden

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Re: A Horn Quiz
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2009, 07:19:25 PM »
Scott,

It doesn't look like any Pennsylvania screw tip horn that I have seen.  I guess that doesn't mean anything because I am surely no expert on Pennsylvania horns.  For all I know it could be a later horn from Ohio or Indiana.  It appears to have had an applied band at one time, so possibly it is a southern made powder horn??

Randy Hedden
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Offline bigbat

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Re: A Horn Quiz
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2009, 07:20:25 PM »
The tip has been shortened. notice the vent pick (which sort of dates it)  and a clue: It probably is a Southern horn.

Offline bigbat

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Re: A Horn Quiz
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2009, 07:23:58 PM »
Someone at one time put adhesive tape there and when it came off so did the patina.  Myself and another think it to be a "Valley of the Sheanandoah" horn (Virginia)

Offline G. Elsenbeck

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Re: A Horn Quiz
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2009, 07:48:59 PM »
Hmmm, a brain teaser for so early in the day.  Okay, I'll make some observations. Yes, it is an external screwtip and the base plug looks like it might be an early Philadelphia school style, but they were generally an 'internal type' screwtip.  In addition, the horn appears to have had an 'applied band' as evidenced by the distinct change in color, or patina, near the lower staple.  Or perhaps,  it was indicative of a 'metal band'  for some reason, or it is possible that a leather strap was very tightly sewn to keep it's position there.  Also I note no incised beads either at the base plug area or the throat that might further tell us what 'school' the overall style would be.  The threads also look to be 'more refined' indicating made during the 19th century?  From what I know about the different schools of screwtip horns (which isn't too much) this one's a toughie.  I would think that this horn was most likely made by a competent gun builder rather by one of the earlier schools.  The tip itself isn't a good indicator either as it could have been made as a replacement directed by the owner.  After all this, I still would only be guessing where this horn originated from.  I need another cup of coffee now.
Gary
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Offline Tim Crosby

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Re: A Horn Quiz
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2009, 08:34:41 PM »
 I would say Western Virgina based on the shape of the base plug. That and the
design of the tip, the large undecorated area, even though shortened. Thanks for the pics.

 Tim C.

 PS: How does the stopper vent pics help date it?
« Last Edit: August 23, 2009, 10:24:24 PM by Tim Crosby »

Offline G. Elsenbeck

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Re: A Horn Quiz
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2009, 09:09:27 PM »
Huh, shortened tip, I surely missed that little item.  And even the use of a vent pic with the horn helps date it? 
Gary
Journeyman in the Honourable Company of Horners (HCH) and a member in the Contemporary Longrifle Association (CLA)

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."

Offline bigbat

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Re: A Horn Quiz
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2009, 05:06:39 AM »
well, the vent pick puts its use with a flint lock and thesort of dates it (but not really I suspose)

Jefferson58

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Re: A Horn Quiz
« Reply #8 on: August 24, 2009, 07:16:27 PM »
My guess would be that it is a Virginia horn from the shape and look of the base plug. I have seen a few Virginia horns (including screw tips) that have a very similar base in a friend's collection.

Jeff

Offline Nate McKenzie

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Re: A Horn Quiz
« Reply #9 on: August 24, 2009, 09:42:11 PM »
Maybe the vent pick is a nipple pick?