The Rogers Rangers Horn

In the past I’ve resisted dyeing my horns, preferring instead to allow them to come by their patina honestly. However this horn was one that the original order (which fell through) called for it to be dyed. I decided since the horn was to be a F&I style horn that I’d put an image of a member of Rogers Rangers and a map to commemorate a battle during the F&I War. The battle was a horrible defeat for Capt. Rogers and his men. He lost 129 killed or captured of 184 men. I tried to imagine myself as a cartographer sent to the site after to battle to capture the area in a map.

: The Rogers Rangers Horn

This F&I style horn has very simple architecture. it is 13″ around the outside curve and has a base diameter of 2.75″. The throat is engrailed with scallops, it steps down slightly to a smooth tapered neck which ends in 2 raised rings. A faceted spout and carved fiddle peg stopper finishes the piece. The horn was engrved and then dyed.

: The Inside Curve

On the inside curve of the horn I have engraved an image of a typical member of Rogers Rangers.

: The Ranger

Rongers Rangers were the precursors to todays special forces. They were a unit of settlers in the new world who were allied with the regular British against the French and their indian allies during the French and Indian War.

: The Ranger up close

Here’s a little closer look at the ranger, showing the typical dress and accountrements.

: the Ranger in detail

You’ll see the detail in the engraving in this photo. Most of the work on this image was pixelated.

: The Outside Curve

On the outside curve I did a map of the area where the “Battle on Snowshoes” took place showing the lines of advance and retreat of both Rogers Rangers and the French and Indian forces .

: the French Forces

Capt. Rogers and his 184 men were defeated soundly by the superior numbers of the French forces.

: A Description of the Map

I had some fun doing the lettering for this description of the map.

: Compass Rose and Engrailing

Every map needs a compass rose. This one has oak leaves in the center and acorns on the primary points. You can also see the scalloped engrailing and the supporting cross hatch engraving just below it.

: RR Badge

This is the “official” badge of Rogers Rangers.

: The Buttplug and Border Work

The horn has a turned cherry buttplug with integral finial. The plug has a shallow groove where the horn fits giving the butt plug a slight overhang. You can also see the border work here which echoes the engraving and engrailing at the throat.