stophorn

Stop horn, also known as stop horn or alarm pickle, is a small, usually brass musical horn that was traditionally attached to the rear of a horse-drawn carriage and sounded a loud, sharp note whenever the carriage was about to stop.

The stop horn was typically operated by a cord or a handle that the driver would pull to sound the horn when indicating to pedestrians or other drivers that the carriage was going to come to a stop. The horn's purpose was to provide a warning to pedestrians and other vehicles of the approaching carriage, helping to avoid accidents and ensure safe passage.

Stop horns were commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in urban areas where streets were congested. They were often decorated with intricate engravings or other designs, making them a distinctive feature of horse-drawn carriages.

With the advent of automobiles and more modern safety features, the use of stop horns gradually declined. However, they remain a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era and can be found in many museums and collections of antique carriages.

Today, stop horns are primarily of interest to collectors and historians of transportation and can be found in specialized markets or online. They often require restoration and maintenance to preserve their functionality, but many enthusiasts enjoy restoring and owning these antique objects as a way to connect with the past.