Friday, May 22, 2020

Morphy Auctions 5.27.2020: SIMON STIMSON'S ENGRAVED SIEGE OF BOSTON POWDER HORN DATED 1775

This horn is illustrated and described on pages 202 & 203 of "For Liberty I live" by Al Benting. Simon Stimson was born in 1756 and was enlisted in the 5th Company (Tolland, Connecticut) of General Joseph Spencer's 2nd Connecticut Regiment, raised from the eastern parts of the colony. Colonel Spencer and detachments of the 2nd were engaged at Bunker Hill and in Benedict Arnold's Quebec Expedition. The regiments enlistment expired in December of 1775, but Stimson served until 1782. The horn itself has a curved body of about 16" overall. The conacle spout section is followed by a set of double relief rings with serrated edges. The main body has a scalloped edge and depicts three naval vessels, one twelve gun with a British flag, behind two smaller unmarked vessels. Below them is a depiction of six fish and mammals including two eels, three fish, and a shark preparing to consume one of the fish. Above the owner's inscription there is a depiction of a New England town thought by the author to be Cambridge, Massachusetts showing Harvard Hall and Massachusetts Hall with a depiction of a large tree thought to be the elm under which Washington took command. There is also a depiction of a man's head smoking a pipe, possibly depicting George Washington facing away from headquarters, where nothing is happening. On the back there is a large tree that appears to bare fruit. Under which there is a depiction of a bare breasted woman and a gentleman. The professional inscription reads "Simon Stimson's Horn 1775". 

CONDITION: Horn is very good overall, with some of the engraving worn from carry and showing some scattered marks from use overall. The convex wooden plug has a screw in the center for carrying strap attachment. Horn retains a pleasing honey patina overall.

Minimum Bid: $2,500.00

Current Bid: $5,500.00

Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000

Number Bids: 5












Copy and photos from here.

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