1775 Scrimshaw Map of Boston Carved on Revolutionary War Powder Horn
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Description: This is a rare and extraordinary powder horn dating to 1775, just prior to the Revolutionary War. Features a stunning scrimshaw map of Boston, Massachusetts, noting Bunker’s Hill (Bunker Hill), Breeds Hill, Morton’s Point, Charlestown, Mill Pond, Hancock’s Warf, Long Warf, The South Battery, and Fox Hill. A legend to the left of the map reads, “A Pox on Rebels in ther CrYmes.” Decorated with scrimshaw engravings of a British Man-o-war ship, an armorial shield for the 47th Foot, a British Crown, the date and title, and some floral decorations. Powder horns like this were used to store gun power for the flint-lock style rifles common during the Revolutionary War. From the date and the inscriptions scrimshawed into the horn we can surmise that this powder horn was made and used by a British soldier in the 47th Foot, during the American Revolutionary War, and more specifically shortly following the British victory at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The 47th Foot were one of the British units to partake in the Bunker Hill battle. Afterwards they were renamed the “North Lancashire Regiment” and today they are called the “Queen’s Royal Lancashire Regiment.” Shortly following the Battle of Bunker Hill, the 47th Foot was reassigned to Quebec, Canada.
Date: 1775 (dated)
References: Currently in permanant collection of the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, Boston Public Library. Temporarily on display at the Bank of America Building, Boston, as part of the commentary on the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Trail.
Cartographer: Publisher and cartographer unknown.
Size: Printed area measures 16 x 3.75 inches (40.64 x 9.525 centimeters)
Condition: Extraordinary condition. Beautiful aged patina to both the wood and to the horn. Scrimshaw vivid and crisp. No flaws or damage.
Code: BostonPowderHorn-1775 (Necessary for phone inquiries: 646-320-8650)
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