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

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020

This powder horn is featured on a two page spread on pages 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 16 - 1/2" overall and has a curved body. It is interesting to note that it is a left handed powder horn. The horn depicts a professionally engraved plan of havana, including "Mooro" (Moro Castle), Shepards Battery, New Store, Regluger, Ponto, North Port, and Fuza. Polychrome red is used in addition to black pigment. Three warships are also shown and labeled as "THE SPAINISH ADMIRAL, RIPPIN and VALLIENT". The horn has a large lobe at the plug end as well as a scalloped edge at the recessed section and two scalloped rings on the two stage spout section, one section is 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 forty 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". On the reverse side the original name cartouche was removed during the period and the name "JAMES/ HOBEL" and the date "1767" were applied. It is possible that Hobel was a member of the British army during the occupation of Cuba and Florida according to Swayze. When the horn was photographed for the book, it was in the author's collection. The powder horn is also engraved with flora motifs, flags, forts, and a bird. CONDITION: Horn retains a light yellow dry surface and has not been cleaned or lacquered. The polychrome colors are bright and there is some minor chipping around the tip of the spout. On the back of the horn there are some minor cracks around the base, with one sliver professionally replaced and well matched. Flat wooden plug possibly replaced. Another example by this maker is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A very important and attractive French & Indian War powder horn. PROVENANCE: Ex. Nathan L. Swayze Collection. Joe Kindig Antiques. William H. Guthman. CORRECTION: It is generally accepted that the carver of the 3 or 4 known horns of this particular style were carved by Peter Robertson, a Corporal in the 9th British Regiment out of St. Augustine, Florida. It is assumed he was at the Battle of Havana 1762-63. PROVENANCE: 2014 - Joe Kindig III, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 2008 - Patrick Hornberger, Trappe, Maryland 1994 - Waldo Hutchins, Glen Head, ong Island - William Guthman, Westport, Connecticut 1973 (Around)- William Goodwin Renwick estate, Tucson, Arizona