Description:
Powder horn inscribed "Joshua Wolcott..." of Wethersfield, Connecticut, which was probably carved by the Memento Mori carver (w. 1756-1760). Joshua Wolcott, probably the son of Joshua Wolcott of Wethersfield, Ct served only in the campaign of 1758, in captain Amos Hitchcocks's 6th company, Colonel Nathan Whiting's 2nd Conn. Regiment. The diagram of a fort and the term of his enlistment are the evidence for the place & time suggested for this horn's manufacture. Eight known horns that share many characteristics appear to have been carved by this hand. All utilize crosshatching in border designs. The Wolcott horn has a single cartouche containing Wolcott's name and the motto in two lines. The horn has a large diagram of what is surely Fort Edward. Halberds, flags, trumpets and cannon protrude from points on the border. Vines & floral designs are also seen as well as a punch bowl with crossed long-stemmed clay pipes resting across the brim. There is also a decanter, a wine glass, a drum and drumsticks, a musket, and a profile head with a pipe in its mouth.This profile head appears on other Memento Mori horns. The calligraphy here is neat and plain copperplate engraving without flourishes of finials. The horns recessed postion begins 4 3/4 inches from the tip. There is no decorative border here.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2005.20.19 |
