This is a powder horn made from a cow horn circa 1820 - 1840. The horn has been formed into a compressed or flat shape. This was most commonly accomplished by boiling the horn for several hours. Once the horn became pliable the horn was placed into a vise or wooden press and squeezed into the desired shaped and left to cool. After a cooling period the horn was further shaped by the use of scraping knives and files. This horn measures approximately 10" in length, 3" wide at the base, 1 3/8" wide at the spout and 1 1/2" deep. The tan and black colors of the horn contrast nicely with the brass end cap and pour spout. The spout and end cap are both retained by three very small flat tip screws. One of the screws is missing from the end cap, which has a mellow golden patina. On the bottom of the end cap the initials JMS have been scratched. All three screws are present on the spout. The spout has the same matching golden patina. This spout has an adjustable/graduated pour. The numbers range from 55 to 70. The external spring for the powder cutoff is missing. The horn itself has two iron mounts for suspension rings. A couple of pieces of iron wire are in the ring mounts. The horn body has the letter P, or possibly J, scratched into the tan portion near the base. This side of the horn has one small imperfection. There is a small indentation almost in the center caused by insects. The opposite side has more insect damage, five holes through the horn and a crack at the base approximately 1" long. Photos show all the insect damage. That being said, this is still an amazing piece of early American history. If you collect early American long arms this will fit in nicely with your collection.

Item # AA817

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