Benjamin Wilson's Carved Militia Powder Horn

Description:

Benjamin Wilson's Carved Militia Powder Horn, c. 1747, carved cow horn with a snake wrapped around a pole, horses, foliate, and scrollwork designs, marked "AbNER MAYNARD FLOUARD THE THIS HORN THE 6 OF APRIL 1747/BENJAMIN WILLSON HIS HORN," with a pine plug, overall lg. 16 in.

Provenance: By family descent to the consignor.

Note: Benjamin Wilson was born April 30, 1728 in Marlborough, Massachusetts. He was living in or around Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, till he was married on July 4, 1754. He then moved to the Westminster, Massachusetts, area before moving to Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, around 1787 where he died on October 31, 1790. In his probate is listed amongst his other possessions "1 powder horn." The carver, Abner Maynard was born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, on August 25, 1726, and no death record has been found. Abner is mentioned in The Diary of Ebenezer Parkman/1739-1744, page 156, published by the American Antiquarian Society "At Eve Abner Maynard of Shrewsbury here and brought me a Token of respect from the Society I had lately preach'd to in that Town."
Estimate $3,000-5,000

Horn is in very good condition with a few chips missing near the plug.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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