October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
The horn is identified to William Farwell, born February 16, 1754 in Groton, Massachusetts to Henry and Lydia Farwell. His father was Captain Henry Farwell, commander in charge of one of two groups of Minutemen sent to reinforce the American forces at Lexington and Concord. He arrived too late, but later fought and died at the Battle of Bunker Hill. William Farwell is listed in the muster roll of Captain Henry Farwell's Company of Minuteman who marched from Groton on April 9, 1775, according to the 1900 publication "Groton During the Revolution" printed by University Press. He is also listed on the muster rolls as one of the soldiers who marched to headquarters at Cambridge April 19 on the alarm under the command of Captain Josiah Sartell. He is also shown as fighting under Captain Henry Haskell, Ebenezer Kent, and is shown in several payroll records. Complete with a binder of copies of his records and other information on William Farwell from multiple sources. The horn has a tapered curved 14" body with scalloping around the recessed wooden plug, which retains a crazed black surface. Faceted spout section followed buy a recessed band for sling. Main body inscribed in large shaded block letters "WILLIAM FARWELL YE 1775". The horn is decorated with panels of pattered designs and scrollwork. Other designs include, hearts, a buck, a fish, a frog, a duck, several roosters and chickens, a sun, a folk art winged face, an Native american with peace pipe and headdress, and several other folky quadrupeds. CONDITION: Horn retains a mellow honey patina with some scattered minor marks from use and one minor loss to scalloping around plug. Very attractive and historic folk art powder horn. PROVENANCE: Purchased from Elliot and Grace Snyder.