A ‘Siege of Louisbourg’ powder horn belonging to Ranger Abijah Smith sold for $17,500 (£15,200) at Bonhams Skinner.
The saleroom said: “The powder horn was sought after by many phone and internet bidders as powder horns connected to the siege are extremely rare and horns associated with Rangers from any campaigns are exceedingly scarce and always attract significant attention at auction.”
The estimate was $5000-7000.
The siege took place during the French and Indian War (part of the Seven Year’s War) and the British victory was fundamental in the drive to seize French Canada, in particular the capture of Quebec further down the St Lawrence river a year later. Several hundred American Rangers – light infantry for scouting and raiding parties – from New England served with the British forces at Louisbourg.
