EXCEPTIONAL, RARE, UNTOUCHED, LARGE ENGRAVED HAVANA MAP POWDER HORN DATED JULY 7TH, 1763 AND DECORATED WITH POLYCHROME COLORS.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/16/2026

This horn was previously unknown and recently came out of a family in New Jersey, where it was passed down for several generations. For an example of another Havana map horn by this engraver, see 86 and 87 of "Engraved Powder Horns of the French & Indian War and the Revolutionary War Era" by Nathan L. Swayze. Havana map horns are extremely rare and only a handful are known to exist. This professionally engraved powder horn measures 13 - 1/2" across the bow and 18" along the curved body. The horn depicts a professionally engraved plan of Havana, including "Moro" (for Moro Castle), Shepards Battery, New Store, Reguler, Ponto, North Port, and Fuza. This horn appears to be the masterpiece of the known examples by this carver. Polychrome red is used in addition to black pigment. Five detailed warships are also engraved. The horn has a large lobe with four holes for strap attachment at the plug end as well as a scalloped edge at the recessed section and a relief ring on the two stage spout section, with the top section being faceted. In the 18th century, Havana was the center of the Spanish trade in North America. During the French & Indian War, England declared war on Spain as they were allies with the French. After a 40-day siege on Havana, Moro Castle was taken on July 30th, 1762 and Havana was surrendered on August 14th. The main inscription over the city of Havana reads "THE CITY OF HAVANA ILLUMINATED AT THE / EMBARKATION OF THE BRITISH TROOPS JULY THE 7TH 1763". Towards the top of the main body is an elaborate cartouche with the initials "W.O." beneath an engraved eagle. It is possible that this unknown soldier was a member of the British army during the occupation of Cuba and Florida. The powder horn is also engraved with a fruit tree, a gentleman hunter mounted on a horse with two hunting hounds following him, florals, forts, and a bird. CONDITION: Horn retains a dark dry untouched and as-found surface and has not been cleaned or lacquered. The polychrome colors are somewhat obscured by the dirt covering the horn. A couple scattered insect nips. There is some minor chipping around the tip of the spout. Two hairline cracks at spout opening. Wooden spout plug and plug at butt are original. Another example by this maker is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A very important and attractive French & Indian War powder horn. FOOTNOTE: There are four possible candidates in the 9th Regiment with initials W.O. that could have owned this powder horn. (A) Muster Roll 5415 - January 22, 1766, name #3 on the far right column is William Odell. On the same muster roll is Peter Robertson, the horn maker, and Capt. Yelverton Peyton, the Captain of Peter Robertson. The Yelverton Peyton horn is currently on display at the Museum of the American Revolution. The General that Capt. Peyton reported to was Lt. General William Whitmore, who commanded the 9th Regt. (B) Muster Roll 5459 - January 11, 1769 St. Augustine roll has a listing for William Odl?. The listing is difficult to read, but would be another possibility for W.O. (C) Muster Roll 5462 - On the right column, first see James O Brian, the 4th name from the bottom. You will see how this clerk makes his 'O"s. Then look at the 2 names "William O Pamer" and "William O Paul". After examining the name James O Brian, the "O" appears very similar to the "O" in front of "O Parmer" and "O Paul". Both of these are possible options for W.O. All 4 were in the British 9th Regiment of Foot in St. Augustine at the same time as Peter Robertson, the horn maker, who made most of the Havana horns that are available today. This gives all 4 of them proximity to the horn maker, and all 4 are in the regiment that fought at Havana, and was transferred a year later to St. Augustine. However, because there are missing muster rolls, and because the writing is hard to read, it is difficult to determine for sure if one of these soldiers, or which one of these soldiers, are the W.O. who actually owned this powder horn. Muster roll copies included. Research by Michael Carter.

Item Dimensions: L: 14"