Powder Horn

Description:

Physical Description

Cattle horn etched with map of New York.

General History

During the colonial period, cattle horns were used by woodsmen and by soldiers for storing gunpowder in a safe, dry place. The horns also became decorative objects as they were personalized by the owner. Makers carved names, initials, dates, flags, battles, and even full maps on the exterior of the horns.

Place Made: United States: New YorkAssociated Place: United States: New York

Subject: HuntingRelated Event: Revolution and the New Nation

Subject:

See more items in: Political and Military History: Armed Forces History, Military, Military, ThinkFinity

Exhibition: Price of Freedom

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Credit Line: Lewis J. Allen

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: AF.69151MCatalog Number: 69151MAccession Number: 262277

Object Name: horn, powderObject Type: hornOther Terms: Horn; horn, powder; Accoutrements

Physical Description: animal horn (overall material)Measurements: overall: 16 in x 4 in x 9 in; 40.64 cm x 10.16 cm x 22.86 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a2-0405-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_408966

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.