~ Circa 1815 Powder Horn With HMS Endymion & USS President Engravings ~
The scenes on the horn represent the capture of the American frigate USS President by the British frigate HMS Endymion in the naval campaign attached to 'The War Of 1812' which terminated in 1815.
Both the British and American ships are represented firing their guns in anger and are named with banners underneath.
The main panel depicts Britannia with a nautical 'stand of arms' including flags, a cannon and a ships capstan. Her trident has a banner with the name 'Capt. Henry Hope', the captain of the Endymion.
There is a banner above the battle scene around the entire circumference which reads 'Patron Wm. (for William) Sparshott', the original owner perhaps.
The nozzle end has been carved into an octagonal shape with a serrated ring.
~ Dimensions ~
The horn has a length of 13.5 inches (34.4 cm).
~ Condition ~
The horn is in very good condition with no cracks. The engraving are well executed and clear. The small wooden end nozzle is a replacement.
~ The Action ~
The capture of USS President was the result of a naval action fought at the end of the War of 1812. The frigate President tried to break out of New York Harbor, but was intercepted by a British squadron of four frigates and was forced to surrender after a battle with HMS Endymion.
At the time of the battle Commodore Stephen Decatur commanded President. In 1812, while in command of the frigate USS United States, he had captured the British frigate HMS Macedonian in a famous action. After his return, the British instituted a strict blockade of the American coast.
For further details please see the Wikipedia entry 'Capture of USS President'.
