RARE – Revolutionary War “Screw-Top” Powder Horn, as in museums ad books

Being offered is a rare 18^th century powder horn. It has a unique oval shape and has an overall measurement of 6 ½” x 2 ½” x 1 ½”. It has a 2” cap that screws off and it was also used as a powder measure.

The18th-century screw-top powder horns were a unique American innovation, essentially a natural cow horn with a threaded, turned wooden (often walnut) tip allowing it to be securely sealed. They were perfect for Revolutionary War soldiers and frontiersmen to keep gunpowder dry and small enough to be put in a pocket or haversack for carrying.

These functional yet personal items evolved from earlier European methods but became distinctly American by applying screw threads to the natural horn's end, a practical design centered in Pennsylvania and spreading westward. There are examples in museums and in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” by Neumann & Kravic (see pictures).

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find, and I am fortunate to have quite a few pieces in stock. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in purchases.