June 12-13, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/13/2019
This is a historically significant French and Indian War powder horn, as Joseph Chew was a good friend of George Washington. Joseph Chew was born in 1720 and lived until 1798. He was a resident of New London, Connecticut and James Madison's cousin. He had frequent correspondence with George Washington. A binder of transcribed correspondence between the two is included with the horn. On August 15, 1757, he describes the surrender of the garrison at Fort William Henry to Montcalm and the massacre of the British as they marched to Fort Edward by his Indian allies. There is also an excerpt from "Washington's Travels in New England: A Chronological Itinerary" by Charles Eugene Claghorn II which lists a visit to New London in 1756 where "The men passed through Westbrook, Gaybrook, and Old Lyme and reached New London about February 25th where Washington called on his old friend, Joseph Chew...". No further letter appear after 1775 as Chew was an apparent Loyalist. The horn has a curved tapered body of 13-3/4" overall. Spout section rounded with carved relief rings. Flange at base has two holes for sling attachment. The carved section is inscribed "JOSEPH CHEW/ MEMENTO MORI" in a cartouche. The translation is Joseph Chew, remember thou art mortal. It is also inscribed "FORT EDWD" and has an engraved outline of the fort and river. Other designs include floral designs, a compass, and a crossed compass and square labelled "MASONRY". There is also a motif showing crossed clay pipes over a bowl with various plants. The plug is wooden and convex, showing traces of old red paint, it is retained by six brass pins. CONDITION: Horn retains a mellow honey patina and shows some carry wear to engraving, as well as scattered minor scratches and marks from use. This is a very fine "Memento Mori" carver powder horn with connections to an important early American individual.