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THBA Fine and Rare Timothy Tansel Engraved Horn Beaker
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more
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About Auction
LiveMar 10, 2018 - Mar 11, 2018
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (381)
- Lot Description
A Fine and Rare Timothy Tansel Engraved Horn Beaker, 1845; ht. 3 in.
Timothy Tansel (1809-1852), Hendricks County, Indiana. Horn, 3.12 in. tall x 2.75 in. diameter, deeply engraved with a central panel bordered at the top and bottom by roped swags, depicting a spread-winged American eagle with “E Pluribus Unum” ribbon-banner in its uplifted beak clutching arrows in one talon and with floral spray and berries in the other; pin-wheeling or whirling stars form a background behind the eagle, and a running doe and a Native American pulling a bow and arrow, complement the scene. The doe and hunter separated by an elaborate geometric motif. Yellow ochre applied in various details. The beaker with an overall mellow coloring. Untouched.
This masterful engraving of the various motifs depicted on the surface of this beaker are the hallmarks of Timothy Tansel (1809-1852), one of a number of Tansel family members known for their unique figurative powder horns (Dresslar 1994, 70:2-7).
Francis, the patriarch of the family, immigrated to America from France, living for a time near Spottsylvania, Virginia. By 1799 he had settled near present-day Georgetown, Kentucky. He was a participant in various Kentucky militia engagements with Indians in Ohio during the War of 1812, and apparently began his carving career during this period.
In 1828, Francis and his family sold their Kentucky property and moved to central Indiana. It was about this time that the elder Tansel’s sons, John and Timothy, also began carving horns. It is possible that John’s son George also was part of the family tradition. While some horns are signed by their maker, most are not, and it is entirely possible that John and Timothy both worked on horns together.
In spite of the number of Tansel family horns known to exist, Dresslar’s research makes it clear that Francis and his sons made their living through farming. Their carving must have supplemented the family income.
A comparison of the decorative motifs of this beaker with signed Tansel family powderhorns suggest that it was made by Timothy. Timothy, or “Tim” as he signed his horns, often employed the draped swag and tassel motifs forming the top and bottom border of this beaker, and several of his horns exhibit the same shield breasted eagle with uplifted beak, with whirling stars in the background. Horns by Tim also employ the swirling geometric design separating the Indian and running doe on this beaker.
Several dozen Tansel family powderhorns are known to exist. Indeed, Cowan’s has had the privilege of selling 15 examples in the last decade or more. Beakers’ however, are rare, and this is the first such example that we have offered. Two others – both in private hands – are known to exist (Mel Hankla, Personal Communication).
Ex William Guthman Collection
Condition
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Eliminate the Hassle of Third-Party Shippers: Let Cowan's Ship Directly To You!
If you'd like a shipping estimate before the auction, contact Cowan's in-house shipping department at shipping@cowans.com or 513.871.1670 x219.
At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
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