Lot 3: John Bush Powder Horn by Ron Turner

Ron Turner has submitted an excellent powder horn to this year’s auction. This horn is based on an historical example from 1755. The original horn is known as the William Willams horn and was made by John Bush. 

CLA member Lee Larkin has extensively researched John Bush. We know John Bush was a free black man, born in Massachusetts, and served at Fort William Henry during the French and Indian war. He produced a number of remarkable horns during that period. Examples of Bush’s work appear in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other prestigious venues.  Lee Larkin notes that elements of Bush’s style were copied by a number of his contemporaries.  So, Ron is continuing that tradition.

This auction lot is an accurate interpretation of a known work by a master carver of French and Indian War period horns. Ron’s hand at horn carving is also a master class.  

Ron is an Indiana farm boy, a military veteran, and a long-time black powder shooter. A friend introduced Ron to black powder shooting after he returned from the service. When Ron decided he needed a powder horn, this friend showed him how to make one. Ron has been a full-time horner since 2020.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire an accurate interpretation of a French and Indian War period John Bush powder horn by an excellent contemporary artist. As a bonus, Ron Turner has left the owner’s panel blank and will add your name.

Text by Heinz Ahlers