(GA.267) Powder Horn
ARTIFACT NUMBERCCN 910671
Country of OriginContinental Army
Date1776
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 910671
DescriptionThis is a powder horn with a leather strap and an inscription. The base plug is surrounded with iron pins and has a button in the center to which the strap is affixed. There is a small leather strap attachment on the spout. The area where the body of the horn meets the spout is engrailed. Additionally, "folk art drawings of a large lion with a small lion underneath, perhaps representing England with America as a subordinate figure, a buck deer, a unicorn, another lion and two birds are artistically carved. The wear on the inside of the horn indicates that it has been carried for some time, which wore off part of some of the figures. Inscription reads: "JOHN KEMBEL/ MANUAL EXERCISE/ AS ORDERED BY HIS/ MAJESTY 1776 TOGETHER W/ ITH PLANS and EXPLANATIONS/ OF THE METHOD CENE/ RALLY PRACTISD AT/ REVIEWS and FIELD DAYS".ProvenancePvt. John Kembel (Kembal)
The publication from which the message on this horn was taken is a Manual of Arms, first printed in England in 1764 and reprinted in America in 1776. Searching military records for John Kembel reveals a close match with a private named John Kembal from Woburn who marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775.
ca. 1775