Beschreibung:

Overall 17"on the outside curve, the original base plug of pine wood is 2.88" in diameter. The plug is loose and Cowan's recommends repairing it with wooden pegs and no glue. The significant feature of this Revolutionary War map horn, bearing the owner's name, Thomas Barber and the date 1780, is a representation of the proposed, but obviously not adopted, arms or seal of the United States - a hand clutching a sheaf of 13 arrows. The writer is aware of only eight horns including the subject which bear this motif, all of them are map horns primarily of the eastern portion of the state of New York. No two are identical and they are by different artisans - some more accomplished than others. At the butt of the arrows is the inscription United States, flanking this are the prominent initials GW in the tribute to the commander in chief of the American forces, George Washington. Below the proposed seal are two field pieces and above a pair of American Stars and Stripes (rarely so accurately depicted on powder horns). Surmounting these are two drums with their sticks, flanking a pair of crossed swords - conjuring the strains of "Yankee Doodle" in the background. The entire assemblage is surrounded by a garland or wreath and is the central embellishment of the horn. Around the perimeter of the base are various sea-going vessels; diverse architecture and flora are interspersed within the stations of the map. The route begins in New Jersey with only Elizh Town (present day Elizabeth) and Newark shown. Moving into New York the engraver depicts Staten Isld, Long Islad, New York [city], New RACH (New Rochelle?), MN Head (?), West Point (though unlabeled) is represented with gun embrasures along the Hudson River behind which are tents, buildings and sizable fortifications flying a flag which resembles, sans the X, Washington's own starry standard which still exists in the custody of the American Revolution Center (ARC) in Philadelphia. It was for many years in the holdings of the Valley Forge Historical Society, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. NW (possibly New Windsor), FhKill (Fishkill), Esopas, Albany, New City (the then-newer section of Albany on the east side of the Hudson, not palisaded), Saratoga. Along the Mohawk River (unlabeled) going west, there is a four-bastion fort symbol and the name Plank, probably referring to Fort Plain, St Rob' and the fort symbol, probably for Stone Arabia, fort symbol F Harkeman for Herkimer, fort symbol F Dayton the final station is a large four bastion fort flying a Stars and Stripes, labeled FS for Fort Schuyler, known also by its original name given it in 1758, Fort Stanwix. Additionally, and incongruously, the engraver has given us a large view of Boston. --The above description by Walter O'Connor A search of Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783 in Ancestry.com and the Fold3 website lists at least seven men named Thomas Barber who served from different colonies during the Revolutionary War. Among them are Sgt. (later Lieut.) Thomas Barber 9th Virginia Regt., Pvt. Thomas Barber Topham’s Regt. Rhode Island State Troops, Pvt. Thomas B. Barber, Wingate’s, Regt. New Hampshire Volunteers, Pvt. Thomas B. Barber, 18th Connecticut Regt., Sgt. & Matross Thomas. B. Barber, 1st Regt. Continental Artillery, and Pvt. Thomas Barber who served in Capt. Azor Barnum’s Company of Colonel Roswell Hopkins Regt. (Dutchess County) New York Militia. Collectively, the delineation of New York locations inscribed on the map horn consistent with the historical timeline of the Northern Campaign of 1777-1780 would overwhelmingly point to Thomas Barber of Hopkins Regt. (Dutchess County) New York Militia as the owner. An acquaintance of George Washington, Roswell Hopkins was a long serving officer in the Dutchess County Militia. One source has him participating in the Long Island Campaign of 1776. We find him mentioned for “gallantry” during a battle near Fort Independence, NY (Saratoga County) in January 1777. Later in 1777, Lt. Colo