Lot 98

Revolutionary War Lt. Bartholomew Van Valkenburgh Powder Horn

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Revolutionary War Lt. Bartholomew Van Valkenburgh Powder Horn

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000

Starting Bid: $11,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Well-Documented and Historic Revolutionary War Lieutenant Bartholomew Van Valkenburgh 1st New York Regiment Engraved Map Powder Horn Powder horns are simultaneously functional items used to carry gunpowder, documents of history capturing details of conflicts centuries ago, and works of folk art. Powder horns were essential equipment in 18th century America, especially for riflemen who typically did not utilize pre-prepared cartridges and instead loaded loose powder and patched balls in their rifles. They were also used by men utilizing smoothbore fowling pieces and muskets when not using paper cartridges. As a part of a rifleman or soldier's outfit that was readily carved, they were often personalized, both by their owners as well as by their artistic comrades and professional craftsmen (horners) who produced horns for sale. Some horns, like the current example, bear their owner's name providing valuable insight into their history. The designs on the horns also tell stories about where these men served. This powder horn was featured in the Summer 2015 issue of "American Tradition: The Journal of the Contemporary Longrifle Association" and is listed as: "An original horn inscribed B. V. Valkenburgh (for Bartholomew Van Valkenburgh). The horn references Saratoga, and N. City among others. The reverse references Lake George, Germantown and two 4-pointed Star Forts." The article notes that Lieutenant Bartholomew Van Valkenburgh served in the 1st New York Regiment which saw extensive service on the northern frontier. The horn is approximately 16 1/2 inches measured along the outside from spout to base. The throat is turned down and has distinct rings. The body of the horn is extensively engraved with various designs as well as locations in New York as noted above, including several forts labeled "F. Schuyler", "F. Harkman", "F. Edward", "F. Daton", and "FG" (Fort George). Other motifs include artillery, a hand holding thirteen arrows, another holding a sword, and a ship. The base plug has "1 1/4#" and an iron staple for a strap. The most prominent design on the horn is the inscription "B. V. Valkenburgh/Lieut 1st N. Y. Reg". Bartholomew/Bartholomeus Jacob Van Valkenburgh (1753-1831) was a lieutenant in the 1st New York Regiment during the American Revolution. The regiment was formed in the summer of 1775 and was commanded by Colonel Alexander McDougall and later colonels Rudolphus Ritzema and Goose Van Schaick. They fought in the Invasion of Canada, the Battle of Valcour Island, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Monmouth, the Sullivan Expedition, and the Battle of Yorktown that ended the war. Some of Van Valkenburgh's exploits during the war are recorded in the article "British Spy Plot to Capture Fort Ticonderoga in 1777" by John A. Nagy in the "Journal of the American Revolution" in February 2014. A canteen with a false bottom concealing a letter for General Sullivan had been sent by Judge Peter Livius of Montreal to try to turn the general to the British cause. General Schuyler sent Van Valkenburgh to retrieve the canteen from Fort George to Fort Edward where General Schuyler was to meet him. Both forts are notably present on the horn. He retrieved the canteen from Lt. Col. Cornelius Van Dyke Dyck of the 2nd New York and delivered the canteen on June 16, 1777. General Schuyler forwarded the letter to General George Washington the same day and advised that he would write back to Judge Livius as if he was General Sullivan. The Continental Congress was also advised of his plan. General Sullivan confirmed the writing was Judge Livius's. The reply to the judge was carried by a deserter and claimed General Sullivan disapproved of the Continental Congress's actions, professed his loyalty to the king, and included exaggerated troop strengths. Whether Livius ever received the reply is unknown, but clearly Lt. Van Valkenburgh was entrusted with a very sensitive mission.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Provenance: The Henry Bishop Collection
  • Condition: Fine. The engraving and inscriptions remain crisp. The rings have some small chips but are distinct. The wood base plug has a crack, and the basal end of the horn appears to have been slightly shortened. If you want to own both a historic and well-documented, authentic map powder horn, look no further!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000