Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Powder Horn
Artifact IDMO 1941.12.50
Object Type
Horn, Powder
Maker
Unknown
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 )
Physical 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.
Historical NoteFranklin 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
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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