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This grouping of truly American powder horns is a very important document, of the formation of the United States of America. These engraved powder horns, when displayed together, tell a magnificent story of one mans life throughout this vital phase of America’s youth. His “Masonic” veneration is clearly seen and presents obvious evidence of the Masonic significance in the founding of America. While viewing these horns, one can actually watch this soldier and horn maker travel from as far north as New York to as far south as Savannah, Georgia. One of his horns depicts Fort Pitt and at least three of these horns were more than likely with their owners while at Fort Pitt. There is no doubt in my mind that this 18th century soldier and artist was up and down the rivers, many times as the extent of his travel is obvious from the varied art work vividly recorded on these relics from our glorious past.
The 18th century owners of at least four of these horns are known. Each of these soldier / owners are from the south: Capt. John Jones - Brunswick Co. Virginia; Thomas Nickle - Albemarle County, Virginia; Edward Worthington- Lincoln County, Kentucky region, Va.; and A. Lott - Charlestown, South Carolina. There are only five horns known that are dated by the artist, ranging from the beginning of the French and Indian War continuing throughout the American Revolutionary War. The earliest dated horn, is inscribed, New York Annu 1756. It is from the collection of George C. Neumann and resides at the Valley Forge Museum. The last date known (other than secondary scratching) is 1775 and is in this collection, as is another dated 1759. The A. Lott horn at the Fort Pitt museum has 1777 carved in the wooden bottom.
These horns are a personal record of at least 19 years in one mans life during the westward expansion and the founding years of America! This statement is un-equaled in my knowledge.
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