May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
This powder horn was drawn by renowned Lititz, Pennsylvania artist Rufus Grider on November 3, 1887. A color copy and a black and white copy of the drawing are included. The horn measures about 12" across the bow and the tapered main body depicts two men fencing, three glass containers on a table within a tavern, a man tying a horse onto a tavern sign depicting a half-moon, and a fortification. The horn is inscribed "March The -- de of NorWalk / John Dean His Horn 1758". There is also an urn with protruding branches as well as a flag, two birds, and a fish. The name "david" was also added to the horn by a different hand during its period of use. The opening of the spout is scalloped and the spout itself is faceted, followed by a relief ring and another faceted section. The wooden plug is convex and has an iron staple in the center for strap attachment. Plug is retained by a series of wooden pins. John Deen has an extensive service record. He enlisted in 1755 in the 8th Company of Captain Thomas Hobby in the 4th Regiment of Colonel Elihu Chauncey. In the Campaign of 1756, he was in the 8th Company of Captain John Jeffry in the 3rd Regiment. In 1757, he was in the 6th Company of Captain David Waterbury in Colonel Phineas Lyman's Regiment. Then in 1758, he is listed in the 8th Company of Captain Isaac Isaacs in the 4th Regiment of David Wooster. Finally, in 1762 he is listed in the Eighth Company of Capt. Samuel Elmore in the 2nd Regiment of Col. Nathan Whiting. An interesting statement by Rufus Grider on his roll out drawing of this powder horn says, “The HALF MOON TAVERN shown on this horn was a noted place in Colonial days, it was situated on the Hudson, N. of Troy, in Saratoga Co., N.Y. and was named after Henry Hudson’s ship in which he first sailed up the Hudson River, the HALF MOON.” Located where present-day Waterford in Saratoga County above Albany, where the portage to the Mohawk River began, a stockaded fort was started before 1692, and a palisaded stone redoubt was recommended in 1698. In 1703, the fort was rebuilt again for the French and Indian War, it was reconstructed. PROVENANCE: Illustrated by Rufus Grider, November 3rd, 1887; ex. Wayne McNeese, Tom Grinslade Collection. CONDITION: Horn is very good to fine overall, good surface and dark patina. Some carry wear to portions of engraving and three very small plugged holes on spout section. A pleasing and historically significant French and Indian War powder horn.