Powder Horn

ClassificationsArms and Armor-powder containers

Date1754-1763

Made AtUnited States, North America

MediumHorn and wood

Dimensions8 5/8 × 4 × 1/2 in. (21.9 × 10.2 × 1.3 cm)

Credit LineGift of Rhoda Rindge Adamson

Object number6367

DescriptionThis engraved powder horn was carried by a British colonial soldier during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). In what would become a catalyst to the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), the French and Indian War was a conflict between North American colonies of the British and French empires, each side receiving support from the Native American tribes residing in each of the occupied territories. During this time period, soldiers commonly battled with muskets which were loaded with gunpowder through the muzzle and tamped before firing. As such, a powder horn such as this one would have been carried as an everyday essential.

Powder horns were usually decorated with their owner's name and a variety of other personalized and meaningful texts and images, often engraved by the owner themself. This horn includes an illustration of the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, featuring a lion and unicorn, and at the bottom the monarchic motto "Dieu et Mon Droit," meaning "God and My Right," ironically, in French. Below this are the initials F.N.P. and a fort flying the British flag, and to the right a secondary set of initials, S.F., which look to have been carved later. Overall, the engraved designs resemble a simplified map which features five forts, two tall pine trees, a small lake, winding rivers (likely the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers), and a ship in full sail.

Finally, the word "OSAWEGO" refers to Oswego, NY and Fort Oswego, the site of a 1756 battle. Although the French were greatly outnumbered in the war as a whole, they were victorious in the battle of Fort Oswego, the aftermath of which saw over 100 British soldiers killed, 1,500 taken prisoner, and the fort itself destroyed. From these details, it would be resonable to surmise that the original owner of this horn was stationed in Oswego and that the horn was later passed to a secondary owner.

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