American Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities

Powder Horn Engraving by Charles Goodrich 1776 Powder horns stand among the rarest and most treasured forms of American folk art. Unlike commercial objects, these deeply personal items were crafted by soldiers, sailors and explorers for practical use during their journeys. Through scrimshaw—an intricate technique of engraving bone or horn with a simple jackknife and filling the crevices with available pigments like soot or ash—these individuals left tangible marks of their hopes, dreams and experiences. This exceptional American Revolutionary War powder horn belonged to Charles Goodrich (1720-1816), a significant figure in early Pittsfield, Massachusetts history. The horn displays distinctive period characteristics with the inscription "PITTSFIELD" clearly visible on its amber-colored surface. Charles Goodrich, born in Wethersfield, Connecticut in 1720, became a prominent civic leader in Pittsfield. He built the first house in the settlement in 1754 and served in various official roles, including Justice of the Peace and town representative to Boston. While Goodrich's name may not appear prominently in history textbooks, historical documents—particularly his September 3, 1776 petition to the Massachusetts Assembly—reveal his compelling story. The petition shows that Goodrich faced accusations of being a British sympathizer and draft evader. According to his account, he was targeted for his public office, physically assaulted by a man named James Morey and subsequently fined by a local committee. Goodrich maintained that he merely defended himself when attacked and claimed ignorance of requirements to either serve as a drafted soldier or hire a substitute—accusations that branded him unpatriotic during the revolutionary fervor. The Massachusetts Council's concurrence with Goodrich's petition likely inspired his subsequent military service. His powder horn, bearing the inscription of Pittsfield, accompanied him to Fort Ticonderoga, where Simonds' Regiment of Militia (2nd Berkshire County Regiment) was stationed during the difficult winter of 1776-1777. Fort Ticonderoga, a strategic stronghold in upstate New York, had been seized from the British in May 1775 by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold. By the time of Goodrich's service, American forces occupied the fort while preparing for an expected British counterattack. In August 1777, Goodrich and Simonds' Regiment participated in the Battle of Bennington—a decisive engagement where Patriot forces under General John Stark defeated British and Hessian troops. This victory significantly weakened General John Burgoyne's invasion force, contributing to his surrender at Saratoga in October 1777—a pivotal turning point that helped secure French support for the American cause. Powder horns captivate elite collectors and major museums alike. The Metropolitan Museum of Art recognized their significance by dedicating an entire exhibition to American Engraved Powder Horns...

Washington, George. Official Letters to the Honorable American Congress, Written, during the War between the United colonies and Great Britain, by His Excellency, George Washington, ...

Presented is an August 1776 issue of London's "The Gentleman's Magazine," containing one of the earliest British publications of the Declaration of Independence as well as a rare fol...

Fine miniature Windsor side chair stamped clearly on the underside Riverbend Chair Co., Ohio. Painted a handsome essex green. The windsor form is finely executed with turned legs a...

Extremely Rare and Important Late 18th Century Nantucket Lighthouse Ledger Page documenting Subscriptions and Donations to rebuild the Brant Point Lighthouse on Nantucket. Brant Poin...

1951 Vintage Hummel Goebel Nativity Scene 15 Pc Figurine Christmas Set with Lighted Manger Set 214. Circa 1951. Measurements: Various measurements ran...

Majestic Large Taxidermy Alaskan Dall Ram, an embodiment of the rugged mountain landscapes of Alaska. These magnificent creatures, scientifically known as Ovis dalli dalli, gracefull...

Set of twelve vintage 1970’s pewter American Revolution soldiers produced by The Franklin Mint. Set includes Private - 3rd North Carolina Regiment, Artilleryman - Rhode Island Train of Artillery, Private - Green Mountain Rangers of New Hampshire, Private - 2nd Maryland Regiment, Officer – Baylor’s 3rd Virginia Regiment Continental Dragoons, Private - 2nd South Carolina Regiment, Drummer - 4th Georgia Regiment, Militiaman – Minot’s Alarm Company of Concord Massachusetts...

Grand Manege Ascot by Henri D'Origny Hermes black silk ascot scarf by Henri D'Origny featuring a black, red & yellow Grand Manege print, pleat in the back center. No pulls or defe...

This brass Civil War era styled belt buckle is unsigned by the maker, but presumed to have been made in the United States in approximately 1851 in the period style. The buckle depicts an American eagle prominently in the center, with silvered garland on either side. We believe these are identified as 'Pattern A' Officer's Eagle belt buckles. This belt buckle came from an estate along with a former WW1 Canadian Infantry soldier's military medals...

The charming miniature chest is pine. It has three drawers that are of dovetail construction and the chest has turned wood knobs. The top is shaped and the chest has a scalloped apro...

Vietnam A Complete Chronicle of The War Hardcover Book– January 1, 2003 by Michael MacLear (Author), Hal Buell (Editor) A huge compilation of text and more than 2000 photographs an...