Powder Horn

Unknown

dated 1770 · Horn (cow), wood (cherry) · Arms and Armor

A powder horn is a container usually made from an animal horn, and it is used for carrying gunpowder. This example is engraved with a rendition of the walled city of Charles Town, South Carolina (the name was changed to Charleston in 1783). In the recesses of the engraving some of the black and vermillion coloring is still preserved. This powder horn was acquired along with a shoulder belt (acc. no. 39.87b) in 1939. The belt is currently displayed with a different powder horn (37.131.16a).

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated 1770

Medium

Horn (cow), wood (cherry)

Culture

American, Charleston, South Carolina

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

The Collection of J. H. Grenville Gilbert, of Ware, Massachusetts, Gift of Mrs. Gilbert, 1939