Firearms, Militaria, & Ephemera

18th-century powder horns served as both utilitarian items and canvases for art and political dissent. One of the leading American powder horn carvers of the time was Jacob Gay, a craftsman who signed many of his pieces with his initials. A powder horn from 1758 attributed to Gay will be available in the upcoming Firearms, Militaria, & Ephemera auction, presented by Pook & Pook, Inc. Inscribed on the horn is a message to the horn’s owner, Samuel McNeill: “this horn made at Fort Edward May ye 15th, 1758 – Samuel McNeill – I powder with my brother ball most hero like doth conquer all.” Another powder horn, made for the American Revolutionary War, is also on offer. This horn was owned by a Massachusetts minuteman and is covered in mermaid, ship, and scroll carvings. With this item is a newspaper article published in 1772. 

Ephemera pieces available in this auction include a handwritten letter from George Washington requesting four Albany ships to transport his sick troops to Orange Town. Signed works from Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, and others are also listed. Collectors of vintage militaria can consider an 1840 Henry Allien & Co. Marine Corps sword, an early 20th-century Colt nickel-plated revolver, and more. Explore the complete catalog and place a bid for these items on Bidsquare.