Horn at Dixon's

[Artificer]

Very much agree with the comments from Sligo Bill and Ohio Ramrod on the benefits of having experienced folks write critiques of the horn. I don't know about anyone else, but sometimes one looks at their own work so much that one may miss something.

I agree it was both a brave and wise thing to do to enter your horn, to learn more. I read the comments and they all seemed aimed at improving the horn.

Personally, I like the horn and especially as it is a FIW period horn. I do have one question, did you use Pony Beads to make the strap or is that some kind of wampum?

Gus

 

[colmoultrie]

The beads are glass "pony" beads (#6), which were a common trade item in the 18th century - see, for example, "Analysis of Beads Found at Ft. Niagara,". Link

I wanted to use that strap because I'm proud of the work and because I thought it looked good, and I wanted to stay away from the "Indian" associations of wampum. I wanted this to be a soldier-made horn.

I'll probably end up putting on a plain leather strap for my own use; don't know what I'll end up doing with the beaded strap.

 

[Artificer]

I thought those were Pony Beads, but I wasn't sure and that's why I asked. You did a very fine job on them for the strap. Yes, I knew they were correct for the 18th century, but I did not have the link you provided. That was interesting. Thank you.

Gus

 

[MSW]

Great looking horn!

 

[omarick1948]

:haha:

 

[colmoultrie]

Thanks, Artificer.
I found the article and found it interesting, so I provided it. I thought you or others might find the info on composition and on the numbers of different colors informative.

Anyone could point out that before 1759, Ft. Niagara was French, so information from there might not apply to a provincial soldier on the Delaware River that I portray, but I believe the beads were common enough imports, and I liked the analysis in the article.

 

[Bob Gular]

"who you know, not what you know"??? All entries in the accoutrement critique are blind judged. There is no name on the house copy of the claim check so I'm a bit taken back by your comment. All items are also cross checked among the judges to assure fairness.I have been registering the entries since the 2000 Gunmakers' Fair and have seen many intense discussions among the judges but not one instance of impropriety. I believe this to be a case of what you "don't know".

Bob Gular

 

[colmoultrie]

I certainly don't believe there is any criterion besides quality that goes into the judges' decisions! As I said at the beginning of the thread, I got exactly what I thought I would get out of the experience - a helpful critique. Unlike the rifle judging, there is no Apprentice or Journeyman category, so novices and experts are judged on the same footing, although when registering, they did ask if it was my first submission, I suppose so that the judges knew not to be so critical in their comments that they would drive me away. :wink:

 

[Bob Gular]

The objective is to better the quality of the art and to encourage the artist. Your understanding of the program is quite accurate and I hope that you participate in the future.

Bob Gular

 

[erock1980]

Bob thank you for the time you spend all weekend entering the items and helping the judges in the booth, it's hot and you're working hard.
Let's not let the usual turd in the punch bowl derail this thread.

 

[B.Habermehl]

The judges at Dixons have educated eyes, I'm certain by times they can identify the hand work of certain repeat contestants. However the ticket system is designed to prevent the judges from knowing for sure. BJH

 

[Bob Gular]

We have all but eliminated the recognizable workmanship category by recruiting/promoting? some of the "repeat offending" artists to a "judgeship" position, really.

 

[CrackStock]

Very nice horn.

I entered one a few years ago and got very similar comments. Those helped me improve and were appreciated.

Keep working on them!

CS

 

[yeoldcraftsman]

Eric, I think you nailed it with the judging. colmoultrie, you did a nice job on your horn keep up the good work. Rick, I know the judges do not know who's horn they are judging so your comment is uncalled for. Jerry P.

Exactly, right on Jerry!

 

[yeoldcraftsman]

"who you know, not what you know"??? All entries in the accoutrement critique are blind judged. There is no name on the house copy of the claim check so I'm a bit taken back by your comment. All items are also cross checked among the judges to assure fairness.I have been registering the entries since the 2000 Gunmakers' Fair and have seen many intense discussions among the judges but not one instance of impropriety. I believe this to be a case of what you "don't know".

Bob Gular

Excellent job Bob and thank you for your help during the judging phase.

 

[yeoldcraftsman]

Beautiful horn and congrats on having the stones to enter it into the judging. That's not an easy thing to do and if you don't have the right attitude it's not going to go well for the entrant. The judges at Dixons are not the be all end all horn gods and don't proclaim to be. They are simply judging entered work based on their years of knowledge and research and most of them are among the most accomplished and skilled artisans themselves. It is about as educated a critique as you will ever receive on hornwork and is a whole lot more valuable (and brave) then posting it on forums from the safety of your easy chair so everyone can ooh and ahh without telling you where you can improve. As you can see from the comments they certainly analyze every aspect of the horn.
I consider any educated constructive criticism invaluable and my mind devours it like food. I also always take it with a grain of salt and do not compromise what makes my work mine.

I hope you make more horns and continue to enter them into the judging! The horn shape and design certainly flows which shows you have a great grasp of composition and form, engraving skill will come with time and practice!

Very well said Eric.

 

[yeoldcraftsman]

I applaud your first step in becoming a competent horner. Well done!

 

[omarick1948]

Whatever!

 

[pab1]

Nice work! :hatsoff: