Finch & Co

Medium / Material

Horn, Wood, mother-of-pearl

Description

An American Scrimshaw Powder Horn Etched with a Commemorative Scene of Andrew Jackson on his horse gallantly lifting his hat, Liberty in her eagle winged chariot, three studies of tempting maidens and a patriotic bald eagle with wings outstretched above
The wood cap inlaid with mother-of-pearl and a sperm whale ivory knop
Circa 1830 – 50

Size: 31cm long, 7cm dia. (max) – 12¼ ins long, 2¾ ins dia. (max)

Literature

Nicknamed ‘Old Hickory’ Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) was the 7th President of America. In the war of 1812 he was given command of South and became famous for the defence of New Orleans. A subject of national pride and patriotism, he was regarded as a folk hero and won the Presidency in 1828 in a campaign that gave him a large majority in the popular vote. His great emphasis on the importance of the popular vote came to be known as ‘Jackson Democracy’.
There was a well-established tradition of engraving powder horns for muzzle loading firearms up to the mid 19th century and sometimes they were crafted by sailors and whale-men on board ship as well as by soldiers.