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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Powder Horn
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Powder Horn

Object numberMO 1941.12.50
Date1813
Mediumbone, ivory, wood (?), ink, metal
Dimensionsoverall H 8 1/2 in x W 7 1/4 in x D 2 1/2 in (21.6 cm x 18.4 cm x 6.4 cm )

DescriptionA scrimshaw powder horn with engraved and inked designs relating to a naval battle during the War of 1812. On the curved horn is the image of two ships representing the engagement between the frigates HMS SHANNON and USS CHESAPEAKE on June 1, 1813 off Boston, Massachusetts. Below the ships is an image of the Union Jack flag encircled by text that reads: 1813 / CHESAPEAKE / SHANNON. The ivory base plate/cap has a dark (wood?) six-pointed star set into the center and no longer has a plug. The spout end of the horn is also lacking a stopper. Attached to the inner curve of the powder horn are two metal hooks where a strap can be attached.

Adhered on the outer curve of the powder horn is a sticker with a typed number: D-26-10.


Label TextFranklin Roosevelt purchased this scrimshaw piece in 1926 for $27.50 at the Bayles and Peters sale at the American Art Association, New York.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 20, 1940. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
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