May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
This artistically engraved horn depicts the invasion of Niagara on the lake by American forces from Fort Niagara. The battle depicted occurred May 27, 1813. This powder horn is engraved "Visitation to Fort George / in May. (1815 in oval) 1813", "Kanatakta", "1815", Amer'ns Teritory", "Lake Ontario", "The Americans", and "N - R". The houses and fortifications at Niagara on the Lake are engraved as well as the American ships and troops that were attacking it in this battle. There are engraved images including a tobacco leaf, a turtle, American Fort Niagara, as well as a directional star. Horn measures 13" in length. 'Kanatakta' is a Mohawk word that translates in English into "One Who Lives Near The Village". This could have been a literate, educated Mohawk as there were many at that time. Niagara on the Lake was defended by British troops and their Indian allies. The flat plug is attached with wooden pins and has two holes in it which extend through the horn lobe for a carrying strap. The spout is in good condition and has a raised, carved ring on the darker, recessed portion of the horn. A copy of the article by John Luke in Man At Arms magazine discussing these powder horns is included. CONDITION: Very good, with light wear. REFERENCES: "Man at Arms" magazine, 2002, Volume 24 No.3, "From the Gunroom: More History on a Cow Horn, War of 1812-1814" by John O. Luke, page 45; "Man at Arms for the Gun and Sword Collector" magazine, 2006, Volume 28 No. 4, "Mystery on a Cow Horn" by John O. Luke, page 38. DRG
Item Dimensions: 13" x 3"