May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
According to documents accompanying this powder horn, it was purchased from the Colhoun family's Maine estate. Alexander Colhoun lived from 1745 until 1790 in the area of Schenectady, New York. He is listed as being in the 14th Regiment of the Albany County Militia under Hoosack and Schaghtecooke. The regiment participated in the Battles of Saratoga, Fort Edwards, Sandy Hill, Fort George and Bennington. Some of the bloodiest Indian fighting of the Revolutionary War occurred in upstate New York. The horn itself is slightly curved and measures about 10-1/2" overall. It has a cone-shaped spout followed by a relief ring. The engraved portion depicts an Indian chief labelled "Corn ---", probably Seneca Chief Cornplanter, trying to tomahawk a patriot protecting his wife. The patriot is shooting the Indian with a pistol. All three figures have detailed attire and are quite large. The inscription reads "Alexd Colhoun / his horn Johnstown / June 23, 1778". The top edge of the decorated portion is chip carved. The flat wooden plug is retained by wooden pins and has a later wooden knob near the center. Complete with an extensive binder of documentation including information on Alexander Colhoun and his service records. CONDITION: Horn retains a pleasing honey patina. A couple hairline cracks in spout and one crack about 1 - 1/2" stemming from plug pin. Plug shows some chipping and earlier holes for knobs. A very nice horn with excellent provenance on the original owner.