Powder Horn
Periodca. 1776
MediumCow horn
Dimensions2.5 × 9 in. (6.4 × 22.9 cm)
InscribedCarved, "CHARLS EARLES / HORN DESAMBER I"
ClassificationsMilitary Artifacts
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1937
Object number1027
DescriptionA cone-shaped powder horn in various natural shades of brown and amber. A dark brown spout is flattened on eights sides, with X's carved onto a circular ridge. The curved body of the horn is decorated in scrimshaw carvings. The inscription reads "FORT CONSTITUTION / CHARLS EARLES / HORN DESAMBER I," among other decoratively carved details.Curatorial RemarksPowder horns carried gunpowder, most commonly for 18th century muskets. This horn would have originally been equipped with a wooden stopper for the spout, as well as a base plug for the larger end.NotesPresumably, a soldier named Charles Earles was the owner of this powder horn. Fort Constitution, later Fort Lee, was located in Bergen County, New Jersey, on the Hudson River. From 15 September to 20 November 1776, Contintental General Nathanael Greene and 3,500 men under his command held the fort against a considerably larger British force.
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