Sold 27 August 2025 · Spitalfields House

This “Rare 18th Century Naval Horn Beaker” found a buyer.

It was listed by Spitalfields House. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

A rare 18th century bovine horn beaker depicting a Naval ship and, subsequently, a hanged Pirate shown in a gibbet.

Measures - 11cm H x 7.5cm W.

Physical Dimensions

Height

11cm (4.33")

Width

7.5cm (2.95")

Depth

7.5cm (2.95")

Declaration

Spitalfields House has dated this 18th Century Naval Horn Beaker to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1027035

Description

A rare 18th century bovine horn beaker depicting a Naval ship and, subsequently, a hanged Pirate shown in a gibbet.

Measures - 11cm H x 7.5cm W.

Physical Dimensions

Height

11cm (4.33")

Width

7.5cm (2.95")

Depth

7.5cm (2.95")

Date of Manufacture

Spitalfields House has dated this 18th Century Naval Horn Beaker to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1027035

About the Dealer

Spitalfields House

Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2022

Fine period furnishings, objects and design - inspired by the houses of eighteenth century spitalfields.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Spitalfields House Profile Page

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An 18th century carved horn beaker featuring scrimshaw illustrations of sailing ships against a neutral background.

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Archive I

A Rare 18th Century Naval Horn Beaker

Archive II

An 18th century carved horn beaker featuring scrimshaw illustrations of sailing ships against a neutral background. View II

Archive III

An 18th century carved horn beaker featuring scrimshaw illustrations of sailing ships against a neutral background. View III

Archive IV

An 18th century carved horn beaker featuring scrimshaw illustrations of sailing ships against a neutral background. View IV

Archive V

An 18th century carved horn beaker featuring scrimshaw illustrations of sailing ships against a neutral background. View V

Archive VI

An 18th century carved horn beaker featuring scrimshaw illustrations of sailing ships against a neutral background. View VI

Archive VII

An 18th century carved horn beaker featuring scrimshaw illustrations of sailing ships against a neutral background. View VII

Archive VIII

An 18th century carved horn beaker featuring scrimshaw illustrations of sailing ships against a neutral background. View VIII

Spitalfields House

Telephone 07766 834925

Location

Spitalfields
London
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/spitalfieldshouse

Verified Since Jan 2022

Items For Sale 49

Items Sold 37

Email Spitalfields House

A rare 18th century Naval horn beaker

Ref: SA1027035

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Cataloguer’s Note

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectDrinking Vessel
Period18th century
StyleGeorgian Maritime
MaterialHorn
ColourAmber Brown
MotifsScrimshaw engraving, Sailing ship motif, Hand-carved detailing
SizeH 11 cm (4 in) x W 7.5 cm (3 in) x D 7.5 cm (3 in)

FAQs

Scrimshaw refers to scrollwork, engravings, and carvings done in bone or horn, commonly practiced by sailors during the 18th and 19th centuries on whaling ships and naval vessels.

These vessels were typically crafted from cow or ox horn, which was shaped, scraped thin for translucency, and fitted with a wooden base.

Authenticity is determined by the natural grain and fibrous texture of the horn, genuine period wear, hand-carved detailing with historical pigments, and appropriate tool marks consistent with eighteenth-century craftsmanship.

They make excellent display objects on bookshelves, mantels, or within cabinets of curiosities, adding historical texture and a curated, collected aesthetic to a space.

Horn is sensitive to extreme humidity and temperature fluctuations. Keep items away from direct sunlight and radiators, and occasionally treat them with microcrystalline wax to prevent drying out.