Antiques Roadshow

GUEST

It's been in our family from the time this horn was originally made. But, the only thing I really know about it, as far as Benjamin is concerned, he made it through the Revolutionary War okay.

APPRAISER

Well, It's a wonderful example of Revolutionary War folk art. Engraved powder horns are one of the earliest forms of folk art indigenous to North America. And this horn is engraved "Benjamin Markham, his horn made at Northcastle in the year 1776." And it says "Liberty and property" and "Steal not this horn for fear of shame for on it is the owner's name." And then, as we turn it we see the Royal Congress. In 1776, they were still British--but they were fighting the British--but they still had a lot of British influence. And then we see this wonderful grouping of soldiers opposing each other. "G.W.," I suppose was George Washington. And "G.H." might have been General Howe, a British general. And here we see this tavern with a tavern sign, right there. And over here we see a wonderful engraving of a mermaid and the ships, and the ships. And this is just a grand piece of folk art worth $25,000.

GUEST

That much?

APPRAISER

Yes.

GUEST

( whistles ) Ooh... I cannot believe that. Well, it's going to stay in the family for a long time, I hope.

APPRAISER

I hope it does. Take good care of it.