3431

MEXICAN WAR PERIOD NAVAL POWDER HORN OF

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 800.00 USD
MEXICAN WAR PERIOD NAVAL POWDER HORN OF
THOMAS O. SELFRIDGE, COMMANDER OF THE SLOOP USS DALE. Horn measures approx. 16 1/4" in length. This horn is engraved at the mid section w/ the initials “T O S” which has been determined to stand for Thomas O. Selfridge. Selfridge was the Commander of the Sloop of War USS Dale. After starting his career as a midshipman in 1818 at age 13 he was promoted to Lieutenant in 1827 & served in the Mediterranean, East India & Pacific Squadrons. He took command of the sloop Dale in the year 1847 which is the same exact year engraved on the powder horn. The horn depicts a lg. American eagle swooping onto what is presumed to be a sm. Mexican eagle. This is thought to represent the upcoming American victory over the smaller & less well equipped Mexican Army. There is a well articulated ship also etched into the horn w/ a long United States pennant flowing from the top of the mast. Selfridge & the USS Dale participated in the Battle of Mulege & later the Bombardment of Guaymas & the Occupation of Mazatlan. He was badly wounded in a later engagement & was sent home in June of 1848. Selfridge later served w/ distinction in the American Civil War until retiring in 1866. CONDITION: the horn is exceptionally solid. The wooden plug & brass central stud are complete & solid. Etching is legible. No cracks or flaking. (02-14964/BF). $500-800.