An ancestor of modern orchestral horns, this le cor de chasse, or hunting horn, would have been carried by a member of a fox or stag hunting party known as the huntsman. Unlike orchestral horns, this brass version is valveless, relying on the skill of the huntsman to manipulate pitch through delicate adjustments of the lips. By varying the frequency of notes, as well as the pitch and duration, the huntsman would produce different signals to alert members of the hunting party or to relay commands to the hounds. Horns such as these (cor à plusieurs tours) that feature distinctive tight coils and a soldered mouthpiece were designed to be played with one hand while on horseback. Our brass hunting horn bears the maker’s mark “Couesnon 105 Rue Lafayette Paris”, placing the crafting in the early 1900s. The horn can still be used functionally for avid hunters, but will most likely be used as a hanging wall accessory for a game room, living room, or hallway.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with minor tarnishing and cavitations, both commensurate with age and use. The horn is functional and can be played.