Stock No. 7027	Victorian sterling silver hunting horn
	Victorian sterling silver hunting horn of flute shape. Two indentations which surround the upper part of the horn's body have a simple engraved line on either side. The fluted end has a curved rim. Just above this rim is engraved a coat of arms with crest above. Beneath this is an inscription: "Presented to John Whidborne Esqre. Master of the South Devon Fox Hounds by his sincere Friends I. Bowen May Esqre. and R. Harris Esqre."
	Maker :- Edward Pairpoint

Condition :-Good, which is remarkable for a hunting horn. There is a little superficial scratching inside the horn which was probably caused by a metal button or a buckle. The hallmarks are just a little rubbed but extremely visible. The patina is excellent.
Hallmarked :- London 1852		.
Size :- 11.3 inches (28.7cm) long x 3 inches (7.6cm) diameter at end.
Weight :- 4.62ozt (143.7g)
This hunting horn is really rather rare, especially in such good condition. In the mid- nineteenth century, Masters of Fox Hounds employed a professional huntsman to be in charge of the hunt and did not take such an active part as they do to-day. The huntsman had a silver horn and most Masters would aspire to one, but not all. It is estimated that there were about 200 or so hunts in England in the 1850s. Therefore, there would not have been many more than about 400 silver horns in use at the most. When blown, this horn has an extremely mellow and melodious sound.

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