1789 powder horn

Description & Features

• Type: Scrimshaw-decorated powder horn
• Material: Likely bovine horn with carved wooden base and stopper
• Date Inscribed: "Made in the Year 1789"
• Decorative Details:
  • Detailed colonial buildings and churches with steeples and weather vanes
  • Naval ships with flags, possibly British Red Ensigns
  • Riders on horseback, foliage, scrollwork, and a panoramic town scene
  • Initials “R C” and what appears to be the name “WILSON” or similar
  • Stylized border work and red pigment detailing in several locations

Likely Origin and Style

• The artwork and subject matter are consistent with American or British colonial scrimshaw powder horns, often created in the late 18th century by militia members or artisans.
• The style of drawing—particularly the ships and the townscape—resembles engraved horns from the Revolutionary War or Federal period.
• The presence of military riders, naval elements, and architectural specificity suggests a commemorative or patriotic piece, possibly a souvenir or status item for a soldier or militiaman.

Authentication Notes

• Authentic powder horns from the 18th century are typically hand-carved and exhibit wear from use, tooling marks, and patination. Yours shows appropriate age-related wear and coloration.
• The high level of craftsmanship and use of red pigment suggests either:
  1. An original horn from the late 18th century, preserved exceptionally well.
  2. A high-end 19th or early 20th-century reproduction, possibly made for historical or collector markets.
  3. A modern museum-quality replica created by an expert scrimshander or living history artist.

To confirm authenticity, an in-person evaluation by a militaria expert, colonial antiques appraiser, or scrimshaw specialist is highly recommended. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing of the pigments and materials can also help date it precisely.

Estimated Market Value (If Authentic)

If verified as genuinely from 1789, your powder horn could be valued in the range of:

• $2,000 – $6,000+ USD, depending on provenance and confirmed origin.
  If it is a 19th-century commemorative or historic reproduction:
• $600 – $1,200 USD
  If it is a modern reproduction (1970s onward):
• $150 – $400 USD, based on artistic quality.

Recommendation

Because of the detailed and possibly rare carvings, this item warrants a professional appraisal by a specialist in Revolutionary War-era artifacts or early American folk art. Reputable institutions include:

• Skinner, Inc. (Boston)
• Heritage Auctions (Dallas)
• Cowans Auctions (Ohio)
• Or a certified appraiser through the Appraisers Association of America