September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
This Revolutionary War powder horn is inscribed: "DAN . POND : His Pouder Horn : ye 1776"
"AMErI : N : COnG :"
"WE"
"Are
"one".
Central designs engraved on this horn include a circle of 12 interlocking rings, with a central ring bearing the text "American Congress-We Are One", a nautical scene depicting two ships, as well as numerous vine and geometric patterns. The larger of the ships in the nautical scene has been identified as "the Rofe fhip of WOR". She is accompanied by her "Tender", a smaller 16 gun vessel. The HMS Rose was a British 6th class frigate that sailed Narragansett Bay in early 1776 to curtail smuggling into Newport, Rhode Island. The horn likely originated in the eastern Connecticut or Rhode Island area.
The horn is fitted with a domed, wood cap. At the center of the plug is a small, brass furniture pull. There is scalloping and a narrow, crosshatched border at the beginning of the darker recessed portion of the horn. A carved ring is located below the spout. The horn measures 12 1/4" .
The pension record has been found for a Dan Pond, who served from Connecticut, applied for pension in 1832, while residing in Shoreham, Vermont, aged 81 years and died February 7, 1838.
While residing in Woodbury, Connecticut, Dan Pond enlisted in June of 1776. He became a 1st sergeant in July 4th in Captain Hurd's Company of Colonel Gold Selleck Silliman's Connecticut Regiment and was in the retreat from New York, as well as the battle of Harlem. He served six months on the Connecticut Line.
About 1809, he moved from Woodbury, Conecticut, to Shoreham, Vermont. He was allowed pension on his application executed July 3, 1832, at which time he was aged eighty-one years and resided in Shoreham, Vermont. He died on February 7, 1838.
Walter felt that the intricate thirteen states motif that was undoubtedly borrowed by the horn's engraver from the Continental currency and/or coinage issued that same year was of national significance. Only one other genuine horn is known bearing the thirteen states motif, a design originated by Dr. Benjamin Franklin.
Britain's HMS Rose was ordered scuttled in 1779 to halt French and colonial ships from entering Savannah. Consequently, the French were unable to assist the American assault. Savannah remained in British hands.
Condition: Good, as described. The horn presents a dark patina and normal wear. There is some worm damage and chipping around the plug. There is also a small chip at the spout end, as well as a flat area on the collar, below the spout about 1/4 inch.