"Powder Horn"

Date1777 (dated)

Artist/Maker Stephen Newell

MediumHorn, wood, ferrous metal.

Dimensions15 1/8" OL (outside curve); Diam. of plug (oval): 3" x 2 5/16". Distance from carving to tip: 6 3/16"(outside curve). Distance from midpoint of ring to tip: 2 3/8".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1958.908.1

DescriptionMade from cow horn; tip end is nine-sided with a single rough notched ring near spout (ring has eighteen notches); below ring the horn is eleven sided; engraved surface of the horn has a smooth surface; a ring of deep rounded notches is carved at the transition to the engraved portion of the horn; lower section is engraved with the owner's name, date, two inscriptions, several fish, and thirteen armed soldiers divided into two groups, both groups aiming at one another. One soldier is an officer with a sword, the others carry muskets, and one soldier lies dead; next to the "liberty or death" inscription stand two soldiers conversing; one brass band just below ring near spout ring hook in butt plug; both brass accessories for carrying cord.
Markings"STEPHEN NEWELL HIS H HORN MADE AT Springfield SEPTEMBER N THE 24 AD 1777."; "MAY THE BLOSOM OF LIBERTY NEVER FAIL AND THE KING AND TIRANTS NEVER PREVAIL"; "Saratoque Stephen Newell his hand United States of liberty or death friend"
ProvenanceEx. Coll. Connecticut Valley Historical Museum.