Outside curve: 11.25", Inside curve: 9.5", Diameter at butt 2.5"

A circa 1825 Tansel powder horn made and signed by John Tansel (1800-1872) of Scott County, Kentucky. John was the eldest son of famed Kentucky horn carver Francis Tansel, who served in the War of 1812 at Fort Meigs, Ohio. While all three of Francis' eldest sons became horn carvers, John's work is considered the closest to his father's work. This horn is decorated with figures typical of the late 1820s including federal eagle with shielded breast, arrows in one foot and a leafy vine in the other and E Pluribus Unum banner at its beak, and a field of stars overhead. It also depicts a "dog chasing deer" image as well as a short-tailed bear with big teeth and long claws. Two bust-like gentleman figures are also carved with names "G. Linza" and "Mc.Gufin" in small cartouches. It is possible that the horn was gifted from one man to the other. This 'right hand carry' horn came from the right side of a cow's head (hence the curvature). From the Dr Bruce Warwick Collection. The backside of the horn exhibits a small patch of 'bag wear' near the scalloped border of the spout's end. It retains a warm yellowed patina consistent with age. Due to damage likely incurred by the wood stopper, the spout tip was altered to achieve a recessed (versus raised) strap retaining ring. John Tansel. Signed: "J.T." on the lower right side of eagle. Cow horn, wood, leather. American. c1825. Outside curve: 11.25", Inside curve: 9.5", Diameter at butt 2.5". CODE-FIREA