This Old Thing: Horn lives on in mystery

Q. I discovered this empty horn amongst my father’s issues in a workbench drawer. There are some holes across the opening edge and within the ‘tail’ tip. It does sit flat and upright, as proven, and is 11.5 centimetres lengthy by 7.6 cm excessive (4.5 x 3 inches), wanting like a headless whale to me. My Dad was a “fixer-upper” and it should have been ready for some consideration. It has some carving across the physique. Any concepts?

A. That is an attention-grabbing merchandise as a result of there are two equally good prospects as to its use. In each instances they might have a hinged lid and a sequence, connected to the “tail” to hold it from. The ornament on most issues could be a clue to an merchandise’s use and the work is perhaps, partially, an embellished goal, which leads one to consider this as a powder horn for a firearm. It’s small and will have been for a handgun. Many have been created from a cow’s horn within the Nineteenth century. A snuff field or snuff mull is the opposite risk, and it is best to verify for odours to present a clue as to its previous contents. Mulls had a ridged space inside to grind a tobacco plug into snuff — to be sniffed in social settings. Typically these had silver mounts. It is perhaps only a field for the snuff. The dimensions and form may lean towards social occasions however I stay on the fence. In both case, it’s Nineteenth-century and its “as is” worth is about $45. Full it will likely be double that and a pinch.

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Q. I discovered this tiny glass vase for 50 cents at a junky second-hand retailer that was promoting absolutely anything. It’s virtually 13 cm excessive (5 inches) and is a putting cobalt blue when it sits in entrance of a window. I might assume it’s for very small single flowers and stems. I’m curious if I purchased a treasure.

A. For such a small merchandise, this hand-blown container incorporates a large amount of talent and artistry. It’s possible Bohemian — the glass-making area of pre-1918 in what’s now the Czech Republic. The hand-enamelled flower sprays with gold sprigs are daisies and forget-me-nots — properly finished and a favorite on the time of circa 1890. Handles and the 4 toes with curled “toes” are utilized individually to an egg-shaped physique — additionally a favorite for patrons and producers for hundreds of years. The sting is topped off with a cultured edge. The decorator is likely one of the larger enamelling homes in Bohemia — however there have been many. Your treasure is value $50.

Q. We’ve had this little sleigh eternally and produce it out each Christmas to make use of for numerous issues on the dinner desk. A good friend informed us it’s known as milk glass. There may be an animal head on the entrance. It measures about 11.5 cm lengthy. What are you able to inform us about it?

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A. What a deal with! You even have an open grasp salt that’s milk glass or opal, because it was recognized by authentic glass producers — the possible one right here being Dithridge & Co. of Pittsburgh. In 1949, an early ebook on milk glass, by E.M. Belknap, described it as being fairly uncommon. The examples have been pictured in pure white. Your piece is even rarer, retaining most of its authentic paint which may wash off over time. The animal is perhaps a lion’s head. Comparable examples have been made to carry a lid with a chick or Santa Claus head — however not yours which stands full. Milk glass gadgets have been usually issued as novelties for Easter and different holidays — this one being Christmas circa 1900. It’s charming and value about $65.

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