(GA.262) Powder Horn
ARTIFACT NUMBERCCN 909431
Country of OriginContinental Army
Date1775
MATERIAL(S)Horn, Wood
Dimensions2 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 12 3/4 in. (7 x 7 x 32.4 cm)
Credit LineU.S. Army Artifact, CCN 909431
DescriptionThis is a pale brown powder horn with a dark brown spout and base plug. The spout has one raised ring around it, approximately midway up. The base plug has a brass knob protruding from one edge. There is a border of diamond shapes engraved around the base. Also engraved on the horn are the city of Boston, Roxbury, Winter Hill, and Dorchester Heights, as well as eight ships, a stag, and a fish. Inscription reads: "EPHRAM DERTHICK HIS HORN/ MADE IN ROXBURY ye 1775".ProvenanceEphram Derthick (Ephriam Derrick)
Engraved on the horn are the city of Boston, Roxbury, Winter Hill, and Dorchester Heights, as well as eight ships, a stag, and a fish. Inscription reads: "EPHRAM DERTHICK HIS HORN/ MADE IN ROXBURY ye 1775".
Several of the horns from the Siege of Boston have similar banners, with the name of the soldier, the date and the location between parallel lines that change direction at various angles… A detailed view of the city of Boston with a line of buildings and churches includes the tents of the British soldiers on the commons and the neck to the south of Boston where the zigzag line of fortifications at Roxbury existed. Across the bay to the north is a suggestion of Charlestown. Opposite Boston on the mainland is an oval fortification representing Winter Hill on Roxbury Hill, with Dorchester Heights to the east. Finely engraved around the horn are the figures of eight ships, a stag and a fish with a decorative geometric border design around the base end of the horn. The only individual whose name comes close to the one on this horn is a Connecticut soldier named Ephraim Derrick—a possibility.
ca. 1775