A rare powder horn once owned by a loyalist during the American Revolution is due to go up for auction in London this month. A rare find, the horn bears the cypher "GR" for George III which is surmounted by a crown and the inscription: Adam Starbuck His Horn Pass On Ao 1777... A Pox on all Rebels.

The 18th century horn also depicts all of the military encampments along the Hudson River, with engravings of Half Moon, Stillwater, Saratoga, Fort Miller and the Royal Block House at Fort Edward. These encampments featured in the Saratoga campaign, culminating in the British defeat at Saratoga in October 1777.

Loyalists were American colonists who stayed loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War. The horn was almost certainly procured by an American, loyal to the British cause and is estimated to fetch £5,000 - 7,000. It will be offered in a sale of Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper at Forum Auctions on Thursday 28th January 2021.