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Powder horn belonging to Nathaniel Munroe

Powder horn belonging to Nathaniel Munroe Cow or ox horn, black stain, wood
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Cow or ox horn, black stain, wood, 1774

7.9 cm x 37.8 cm x 14.3 cm

Powder horns 005


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[ This description is from the project: Revolutionary-era Art and Artifacts ]

A powder horn, reportedly used by Nathaniel Munroe (1742-1814), at the Battle of Lexington, 1775.

This powder horn is made of either a cow or ox horn; it is smoothly carved except for a long panel of black scrimshaw decoration.  The decoration is a stylized vine that begins at the plug end, and it encloses the legend: "Shrewsbury March 4th A D 1774 [corrected to 5]--Nathaniel Munrow his horn." There is a very slight lip at the plug end, pierced twice for a missing suspension cord. The pouring spout has double ring bands, but lacks a stopper.