The Highly Important Captain John Graham American Revolutionary War Engraved Map Powderhorn, engraved by Harmon Stebens, New York State, 1779

Engraved with a map of the Hudson and Mohawk River showing the location of various towns and forts as well as a figure of a mermaid and a lion and various views of buildings and towns.  Inscribed on horn Capt. John Graham 1779, Unighted We Stand Devided We fall and Honours of Warr. Inscribed on plug Harmon Stebens. The horn is in excellent overall condition and has a rich golden hue.

Mr. Atwater, Hartwell, Nebraska;
Martayan Lan Rare books and Maps, New York

Rufus Alexander Grider (1817-1900), Revolution, no. 70, New-York Historical Society, acc. no. 1907.36.249;
W. M. Beauchamp, “Rhymes from Old Powder-Horns. II” Journal of American Folk-Lore, Vol. V. (Cambridge, MA:  The Riverside Press, 1892), p. 288;
Stephen V. Grancsay, American Engraved Powder Horns: A Study Based on the J.H. Grenville Gilbert Collection, (Philadelphia: Ray Riling Arms Book co., 1976), p. 54, no. 389;
William Rea Furlong and Byron McCandless, So Proudly We Hail: The History of the United States Flag, (Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1981), p. 128-9, fig. 94.  The horn is described as perhaps the fourth or fifth earliest representation of the American flag;
David Martucci, “The 13 Stars and Stripes: A Survey of 18th Century Imagery”, NAVA News, 167 (April-June 2000), fig. 5. Martucci ranks the horn as the fifth known representation of the new nation’s flag.

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This remarkable horn is not only beautifully engraved it has tremendous historical importance as being one of the very first depictions of the 13-star American Flag. William Rea Furlong and Byron McCandless in So Proudly We Hail: The History of the United States Flag state that this horn is likely the fourth or fifth earliest depiction of the American flag. This horn however is not dated to the day so it potentially could predate the previous items. The horn also has an engraving of 13 crossed arrow which at the time was under consideration as becoming the United States seal.

John Graham (1756-1832) began his military service as captain in the Second New York Regiment on June 30, 1775. He was transferred to Nicholson’s Continental Regiment in February 1776 and to the First New York Regiment on November 21, 1776.  He was promoted to Major in 1779 and served to the close of the War. Graham served at Fort Schuyler, Fort Edward and Fort Herkimer. Graham was also a founding member of the Society of Cincinnati.

Additional cataloging available at Sothebys.com.  Sotheby's would like to thank Margaret K. Hofer, Curator of Decorative Arts at The New-York Historical Society, for making the Rufus Grider watercolor of the present lot accessible.