IMPORTANT AND HISTORIC REVOLUTIONARY WAR AMERICAN SOLDIER’S SCRIMSHAWED POWDER HORN DATED 1775.

IMPORTANT AND HISTORIC REVOLUTIONARY WAR AMERICAN SOLDIER’S SCRIMSHAWED POWDER HORN DATED 1775. Presented here is one of the best and most important identified Revolutionary War American powder horns to come to market in quite some time. Identified to a Connecticut Militia soldier who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill (Massachusetts) and the Battle of White Plains (New York) this represents a highly important artifact of the War. Highly decorated and inscribed to its owner “Soloman Lumbard” (also spelled “Lumbert” in some records) and dated “October 18, 1775” this horn belonged to a Revolutionary War soldier born in Lebanon, Connecticut whose record in the Continental Army is well documented in his pension record dated January 1832 as well as several other sources. The large horn measures 14” overall having a carved spout and slightly convex yellow pine plug with a small iron staple and ring twisted into a figure “8.” The pine plug is affixed with 6 diminutive iron pins. The butt end of the horn is turned down to a depth of approximately 1/8” from the body of the horn for about 1.5” creating a stepped down section of sorts. The spout end has been carved down creating 8 facets below which is a ring fashioned in the form of a ruffled collar. At the edge of the body of the horn there are 14 carved “V” shaped notches. Inscribed on three lines across the central body of the horn is “SOLOMON LUMBARD HIS/HORN MADE IN WICKED CAMBRIDG (sic)/OCTOBER ye 18 1775” and on the opposite side of the horn “LIBERTY 1775.” Scrimshawed folk-art style floral decorations cover most of the remaining body of the horn, most in the form of leafy stalks some with a tulip-like flower. Running perpendicular to the body of the horn is a ring of floral engraving that circumscribes the butt end of the horn approximately three quarters of the distance. Immediately below the “LIBERTY 1775” inscription near the butt end of the horn is a prominent 6-petalled flower inside two concentric rings much like a Germanic “hex” sign. On the 1.5” stepped down portion of the horn at the butt end the floral decorations, obviously completed by the same hand, continue in the same manner as on the body of the horn yet with more of a vine-like appearance. A somewhat cryptic name appears on lines in this stepped down section which appears to read “ELIR/ELIPH” on two lines and in opposing position “BEN” on a third line. The meaning of this inscription which appears to be contemporary with the rest of the scrimshaw is unknown but may be the names of the maker’s family. Additionally, inscribed on this same section of the horn is a small “V” with a cross in the center which could also be a cryptic signature of the maker or engraver. According to the Revolutionary War pension record which survives for Solomon Lumbard and filed in Wayne County, New York in 1832, Lumbard at the age of 80 was then living in the town of Galen, New York. He was born in Lebanon, Connecticut in 1752. The record further states that he entered the service as a volunteer on April 20, 1775 in Coventry, Connecticut in a company under the command of Lieutenant Samuel Robinson. That company marched to Cambridge, Massachusetts almost immediately after the incident at Lexington and Concord serving at the post about a month. In May 1775, Lumbard enlisted into a new company of Connecticut Militia commanded by Israel Putnam for eight months service. Although prior to the date inscribed on this horn, that would put Solomon Lombard, in the squarely in the center of General Israel Putnam’s troops and the heroic defense of the Charlestown peninsula on June 17, 1775 known throughout the world as the Battle of Bunker Hill. This critical battle, although considered an American loss, did significant damage to the British troops and launched Lumbard’s commander, General Israel Putnam, into national fame as an officer and strategist. Shortly thereafter General George Washington arrived in Cambridge, Massachusetts to accept the title of Commander-in-Chief of the new Continental Army. Lumbard, and his Connecticut Militia would have been in the vicinity of, if not immediately in, “WICKED” (as inscribed on the horn) Cambridge, Massachusetts at the time and date of October 18, 1775 which is clearly marked on the horn. According to the inscription this horn was made in Cambridge. The pension record also states that when Lumbard’s term of service has ended, he applied to General Putnam for discharge. Putnam, denied Lumbard’s request and, knowing the critical needs and disparity of troops in the American Army, he petitioned General George Washington for dispensation to keep many of his troops whose enlistment terms were ending. Washington convinced these men, Lumbard included, to continue their service for one month after which he would grant their discharge and provide them one additional month’s pay. Now discharged and living again in Coventry, Connecticut, Lumbard volunteered to serve as a substitute for one Daniel Turner also from Coventry, Connecticut enlisting on his behalf in August 1776. Lumbard served in Captain Ripley’s Company of Connecticut Militia travelling with the company through New York in West Chester, Kings Bridge, Fort Washington and, finally, to White Plains in time for the October 28, 1776 battle. Following the retreat of George Washington’s Continental Army northward from New York City, British General William Howe landed troops in Westchester County, New York intending to cut off Washington’s escape route. Alerted to this move, Washington retreated further, establishing a position in the village of White Plains but failed to establish firm control over the high ground in that location. Howe’s troops drove Washington’s troops from a hill near the village. Following this important loss of position, Washington ordered his Americans to retreat even further north. In Washington’s ultimate retreat across the Hudson River from New York, following the Battle of White Plains, he left many New England troops, probably including Lumbard and the Connecticut Militia in the White Plains area to guard military stores and river crossings. Lumbard remained in garrison here for the remainder of his three months service. This horn would have been carried by Lumbard in the White Plains campaign. Discharged yet again, Lumbard was drafted into service in August 1779 and entered Captain Smith’s Company in Colonel Wyllis’ Regiment afterward marching to New London, Connecticut for yet another three month term of service. After the War it is stated that he lived in both Vermont and New York. In Johnston, Henry P., ed.. The Record of Connecticut Men in the Military and Naval Service During the War of the Revolution 1775-1783. Vol. I-III. Hartford, CT, USA: 1889 we also find Solomon Lumbard (spelled “Lumbert” in these records) as having served in the Connecticut Militia for at least three terms of service. PROVENANCE: According to the consignor this horn was discovered more than 30 years ago in an old house in the panhandle of West Virginia. The horn was purchased from a carpenter preparing to demolish the house who stated that it was discovered inside a cupboard. Only two collectors have held this significant horn in their private collections and this is the first time that it has been offered for public sale. An illustrated article on this horn was published in the Kentucky rifle Association’s Bulletin in the Spring of 2011 (Volume 37, Number 3). A verbatim transcription of Solomon Lumbard’s Revolutionary War pension record is recorded therein. A copy of this article accompanies the horn. CONDITION: This horn is in remarkable condition with expected light wear to edges of the horn, the spout and to the yellow pine plug. Engraving remains strong and the horn has aged to a very attractive medium yellow color. This horn offered for public sale here for the first time represents an important and historic opportunity to own a documented Revolutionary War soldier’s powder horn carried in battle. Strong provenance and a good historical record prove its use and importance in the War. Horns such as this are rarely offered-especially those who decoration represents a primitive style associated with some of the best 18th century folk art in America. 4-45151 CW1 (17,500-27,500)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2012

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2469	$18,400.00	IMPORTANT AND HISTORIC REVOLUTIONARY WAR AMERICAN SOLDIER’S SCRIMSHAWED POWDER HORN DATED 1775. Presented here is one of the best and most important identified Revolutionary War American powder horns to come to market in quite some time. Identified to a Connecticut Militia soldier who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill (Massachusetts) and the Battle of White Plains (New York) this represents a highly important artifact of the War. Highly decorated and inscribed to its owner “Soloman Lumbard” (also spelled “Lumbert” in some records) and dated “October 18, 1775” this horn belonged to a Revolutionary War soldier born in Lebanon, Connecticut whose record in the Continental Army is well documented in his pension record dated January 1832 as well as several other sources. The large horn measures 14” overall having a carved spout and slightly convex yellow pine plug with a small iron staple and ring twisted into a figure “8.” The pine plug is affixed with 6 diminutive iron pins. The butt end of the horn is turned down to a depth of approximately 1/8” from the body of the horn for about 1.5” creating a stepped down section of sorts. The spout end has been carved down creating 8 facets below which is a ring fashioned in the form of a ruffled collar. At the edge of the body of the horn there are 14 carved “V” shaped notches. Inscribed on three lines across the central body of the horn is “SOLOMON LUMBARD HIS/HORN MADE IN WICKED CAMBRIDG (sic)/OCTOBER ye 18 1775” and on the opposite side of the horn “LIBERTY 1775.” Scrimshawed folk-art style floral decorations cover most of the remaining body of the horn, most in the form of leafy stalks some with a tulip-like flower. Running perpendicular to the body of the horn is a ring of floral engraving that circumscribes the butt end of the horn approximately three quarters of the distance. Immediately below the “LIBERTY 1775” inscription near the butt end of the horn is a prominent 6-petalled flower inside two concentric rings much like a Germanic “hex” sign. On the 1.5” stepped down portion of the horn at the butt end the floral decorations, obviously completed by the same hand, continue in the same manner as on the body of the horn yet with more of a vine-like appearance. A somewhat cryptic name appears on lines in this stepped down section which appears to read “ELIR/ELIPH” on two lines and in opposing position “BEN” on a third line. The meaning of this inscription which appears to be contemporary with the rest of the scrimshaw is unknown but may be the names of the maker’s family. Additionally, inscribed on this same section of the horn is a small “V” with a cross in the center which could also be a cryptic signature of the maker or engraver. According to the Revolutionary War pension record which survives for Solomon Lumbard and filed in Wayne County, New York in 1832, Lumbard at the age of 80 was then living in the town of Galen, New York. He was born in Lebanon, Connecticut in 1752. The record further states that he entered the service as a volunteer on April 20, 1775 in Coventry, Connecticut in a company under the command of Lieutenant Samuel Robinson. That company marched to Cambridge, Massachusetts almost immediately after the incident at Lexington and Concord serving at the post about a month. In May 1775, Lumbard enlisted into a new company of Connecticut Militia commanded by Israel Putnam for eight months service. Although prior to the date inscribed on this horn, that would put Solomon Lombard, in the squarely in the center of General Israel Putnam’s troops and the heroic defense of the Charlestown peninsula on June 17, 1775 known throughout the world as the Battle of Bunker Hill. This critical battle, although considered an American loss, did significant damage to the British troops and launched Lumbard’s commander, General Israel Putnam, into national fame as an officer and strategist. Shortly thereafter General George Washington arrived in Cambridge, Massachusetts to accept the title of Commander-in-Chief of the new Continental Army. Lumbard, and his Connecticut Militia would have been in the vicinity of, if not immediately in, “WICKED” (as inscribed on the horn) Cambridge, Massachusetts at the time and date of October 18, 1775 which is clearly marked on the horn. According to the inscription this horn was made in Cambridge. The pension record also states that when Lumbard’s term of service has ended, he applied to General Putnam for discharge. Putnam, denied Lumbard’s request and, knowing the critical needs and disparity of troops in the American Army, he petitioned General George Washington for dispensation to keep many of his troops whose enlistment terms were ending. Washington convinced these men, Lumbard included, to continue their service for one month after which he would grant their discharge and provide them one additional month’s pay. Now discharged and living again in Coventry, Connecticut, Lumbard volunteered to serve as a substitute for one Daniel Turner also from Coventry, Connecticut enlisting on his behalf in August 1776. Lumbard served in Captain Ripley’s Company of Connecticut Militia travelling with the company through New York in West Chester, Kings Bridge, Fort Washington and, finally, to White Plains in time for the October 28, 1776 battle. Following the retreat of George Washington’s Continental Army northward from New York City, British General William Howe landed troops in Westchester County, New York intending to cut off Washington’s escape route. Alerted to this move, Washington retreated further, establishing a position in the village of White Plains but failed to establish firm control over the high ground in that location. Howe’s troops drove Washington’s troops from a hill near the village. Following this important loss of position, Washington ordered his Americans to retreat even further north. In Washington’s ultimate retreat across the Hudson River from New York, following the Battle of White Plains, he left many New England troops, probably including Lumbard and the Connecticut Militia in the White Plains area to guard military stores and river crossings. Lumbard remained in garrison here for the remainder of his three months service. This horn would have been carried by Lumbard in the White Plains campaign. Discharged yet again, Lumbard was drafted into service in August 1779 and entered Captain Smith’s Company in Colonel Wyllis’ Regiment afterward marching to New London, Connecticut for yet another three month term of service. After the War it is stated that he lived in both Vermont and New York. In Johnston, Henry P., ed.. The Record of Connecticut Men in the Military and Naval Service During the War of the Revolution 1775-1783. Vol. I-III. Hartford, CT, USA: 1889 we also find Solomon Lumbard (spelled “Lumbert” in these records) as having served in the Connecticut Militia for at least three terms of service. PROVENANCE: According to the consignor this horn was discovered more than 30 years ago in an old house in the panhandle of West Virginia. The horn was purchased from a carpenter preparing to demolish the house who stated that it was discovered inside a cupboard. Only two collectors have held this significant horn in their private collections and this is the first time that it has been offered for public sale. An illustrated article on this horn was published in the Kentucky rifle Association’s Bulletin in the Spring of 2011 (Volume 37, Number 3). A verbatim transcription of Solomon Lumbard’s Revolutionary War pension record is recorded therein. A copy of this article accompanies the horn. CONDITION: This horn is in remarkable condition with expected light wear to edges of the horn, the spout and to the yellow pine plug. Engraving remains strong and the horn has aged to a very attractive medium yellow color. This horn offered for public sale here for the first time represents an important and historic opportunity to own a documented Revolutionary War soldier’s powder horn carried in battle. Strong provenance and a good historical record prove its use and importance in the War. Horns such as this are rarely offered-especially those who decoration represents a primitive style associated with some of the best 18th century folk art in America. 4-45151 CW1 (17,500-27,500) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2012 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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