Fish
15 March 2026
Description

Seems to be a horn decorated with sterling silver. Measures 9in x 2in and has rattles in planted somewhere as it rattles and has a hollowed out portion but seems to be blocked off(I'm guessing for rattles) & tail end is hollowed like a pipe🤷 I've had in my collection for years and it has no marks.

Dimensions

9in x 2in give or take

Acquired from
Auction House
For sale
Yes
Answered within about 15 hours
By Delia
Mar 16, 11:19 UTC
Fair Market Value
$200 - $400 USD
Suggested Asking Price $500 USD
What does this mean?

Hi Joshua,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The additional photos definitely help - the hole in the tail tip looks crude, almost broken, suggesting to me that the tail tip was meant to be closed rather than open. I suspect was made to be a tobacco mull but the way the hole on the top is fashioned is of poor design and it would be hard to completely empty the horn...that would explain the rattling.

It's probably some type of cow horn, though if you're trying to sell it internationally you might run into someone wondering what the material is as some horns require special Fish and Wildlife licenses to sell.

This is almost certainly a European mull and has a great patina.

Tobacco mulls of this size and age - probably 18th Century from the type of silver mounts - typically sell for less than $500 when sold at auction; because of the design and condition of this one, I would expect it to bring between $200 and $400.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia

Joshua brown Mar 17, 13:41 UTC

No the head is fixed and tail seems to be hollowed out on purpose as it's surrounded by sterling...the bottom is flattened so it sits upright

Joshua brown Mar 17, 13:42 UTC

I will send better pictures of tail end so you can see more clearly! I apologize for the error as it wasn't noticed when submitting.

Joshua brown Mar 17, 13:48 UTC

Sent! If you need anything else from me please just let me know!

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