Images(6)

Horn, Powder

Object number2019.10.4

ManufacturerPossibly Archibald Woodside

Date1758

MediumHorn; Brass; Iron(?); Walnut(?); Wood

Credit LineTransfer from Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Gift of Henry J. Luck

DescriptionPowder horn. Medium tan body with engraved designs and text. Lathe-turned dark brown walnut(?) wooden plug with carved concentric circles and metal loop at center. Gray-brown spout with bulbous/undulating neck section and brass cone on end of spout. Body is engraved with British heraldic arms (lion and unicorn supporters) above cannons, pikes, flags, and drums; potted plant at top of arms; also potted plant above blank ribbon further above the arms. Other side has Fort Pitt between two rivers meeting below the fort and name of fort above and river name below; also hunting scene with man and two dogs, deer, boar, and rabbit.DimensionsLength x Width x Depth: 12.75 × 4.25 × 3 in. (32.4 × 10.8 × 7.6 cm)
InscriptionsEngraved with "FORT PITT" and "OHIO RIVIERE".

Text engraved on the British heraldic arms.

Side of plug has handwritten "7342"; this is the CMNH object number.
Historical NotesThis powder horn depicting Fort Pitt was secured by General Rufus Barringer about the time of the Civil War from the descendants of the original owner, living in Rowan County, North Carolina. It was originally owned by (and possibly made by) Archibald Woodside. In 1758, he was stationed at Fort Pitt, having gone there from North Carolina. Donated to the Carnegie Museum in May 1924 by Henry J. Luck. Transferred to the Heinz History Center in 2019.

Previous owner General Rufus Barringer

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