Mark Thomas Horn

This is a small horn, 10 1/2" on the outside curve, with a 2 3/8" dia. spiral-carved walnut plug. An amber faceted spout flows into the white body of the horn. This horn has been natural-dyed to give it the reddish-brown/honey color so often seen on old horns. At the engrailing of the horn is a beautiful stylized leafy border, and a nice double border at the end plug. This horn is small enough to be carried on either side, but favors the left in the slight curvature of  this little beauty.

Copy and photos supplied by Mark Thomas.

Mark Thomas

Inspired by original pieces in some museum collections. I fashioned this coconut with not the intent of using as a drinking vessel but for dry goods, nuts, but the form is of a goblet. When I finished it I was pleased to know it would hold water for 10 seconds. 

The base of the goblet is made from silver sheet and twisted silver wire, the base is built in three pieces. The cradle that is holding the coconut shell is pinned, as is the rim and no adhesives were used.  The shell itself is chip carved with a typical design of the period.

As a goldsmith friend in England said, he believed the coconut to be the poor mans tortoise shell, and I would concur. It is a material that is very durable, difficult to carve yet holds the detail much better than materials.

Copy and photos supplied by Mark Thomas.

"The Shank Rifle" by Mark Thomas

This a 54 caliber flintlock, curly sugar maple stock. The surface of the wood was finished by scraping and burnishing instead of sanding. The metal hardware was scraped and burnished as well. Inspired by a rifle built in Kentucky around 1790.

Photos supplied by Mark Thomas.