Powder Horns at the DAR Museum
Written by: Carrie Blough, DAR Museum, Registrar/Assistant Curator
June 4, 2021
“I powder with my brother ball most hero like do conquer all.” Variations of this verse can be found engraved on many powder horns from the 18th century, including in the collection of the DAR Museum. Used as a waterproof vessel to carry the gunpowder needed to fire a musket, powder horns were often engraved with elaborate and imaginative designs, inscriptions, locations, maps and battles, all personalized to the owners’ experiences. Engraved and undecorated powder horns were made and used throughout the 18th and very early 19th centuries.
The DAR Museum has been collecting powder horns since 1915, when the Massachusetts State Society donated an undecorated powder horn that was used during the Revolutionary War. Since then, the museum acquired 28 more powder horns and has recently been able to purchase additional examples that help fill gaps in the collection. We are still looking to acquire powder horns with southern provenance, and horns owned by people of color to increase the representation among those we already have.
The earliest made horn in the collection belonged to Moses Blood from Groton, MA. It was made in 1749. He served in the French & Indian War, and his son, also Moses, served in the Revolutionary War. The latest horn is from the early 19th century and it appears to be a horn made for decorative purposes, with silver inlay.
Powder horns were often engraved by professional carvers or someone with the tools and skills, rather than the owner. Sixteen powder horns in the DAR Museum’s collection are decorated. Three of the powder horns are map horns, which depict the general layout of a particular region. John Fox engraved this powder horn with a map of important towns on the Forbes Road from eastern Pennsylvania westward to Fort Pitt, and north.
Of the powder horns in the DAR Museum’s collection, three were used during the French and Indian War, including this powder horn that belonged to David Austin in 1759. At least fourteen were used in the American Revolution. Some of the undecorated horns were likely used in the war. Isaac Fowler of Rhode Island carried a mermaid decorated horn that was carved by Christopher Potter during the war. At least two horns were used in both wars. The rest are undated.
Unengraved horns are very common. This powder horn is not engraved but instead decorated with large brass tacks around the base plug. Six of the horns are smaller priming horns. These were usually undecorated, as ours are, and were used to hold small amounts of gunpowder.
The DAR Museum’s powder horn collection offers opportunities to discuss the Patriots of early America and their experiences. The engraved horns allow us to see how they viewed and interpreted their worlds.
