Scrimshaw Powder Horn 16; Black Powder Container for Muzzleloading Era Firearms

This powder horn has been ”SOLD” (12-28-2008)

Click here For more information about how Scrimshaw Artwork is accomplished

click here For more information about how a Powder Horn is constructed

for more information about purchasing this powder horn email me at:
mark@decoustudio.com
http://www.decoustudio.com

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Photo 1a:

Project Story:

This is a powder horn that I built a few years ago and used it as my show/teaching demonstration piece for gathering commissions. I’ve decided to retire it and offer it for sale. If you are interested, let me know.

Historically, a powder horn was commonly used to carry black powder for using in a muzzle loading firearm before cartridge ammunition was invented.

I have several muzzle loading guns, and enjoy shooting black powder. Powder horns were used (are) to carry the powder. This requires that the horn be sealed air-tight, and able to be carried with a strap slung over the shoulder.
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Bear Side Photos

Photo 1b:

Photo 1c:

Photo 1d

Photo 1e

M. DeCou Signature and Date shown on the front
Photo 1f

Photo 1g

Photo 1h

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Mapside Photos

Photo 2a

Photo 2b

Photo 2c

Photo 2d

Photo 2e

I started building powder horns about 10 years ago, and have built several of them over the years. They start out as a Bovine Horn, that has been cut off of for de-horning, or at the processing plant. These horns are then dried out to remove the inner core, and then boiled to clean the hair, blood, and dirt. The outer layers of the horn are then removed with either sandpaper, or with a scraping action by a knife, or a broken glass shard.

A wooden plug is constructed and fit to the rear of the horn, to seal the end. Small dowels are inserted around the edge to hold the wood in place. Sealant is used in the process, either a mix of lard and bees wax, 2-part epoxy glue, or PVA wood glue.

the tip of the horn is drilled out, and small wooden plug is fitted to the tapered hole for sealing the tip. I used an antique Ebony Wood violin key on this horn for the tip plug. I have also turned tips on my lathe, but violin keys are historically accurate for use.

The shaping of the tip of the horn is done with hand files, in this case, I’ve slabbed the tip into an octagonal shape, which matches the shape of the barrel on my rifle that I use when shooting.

Typically, people haven’t used my powder horns for actual shooting in the field, so several years ago I started making display stands for setting on a Mantle, shelf, credenza, or other display area. However, by simply attaching the carrying strap, this powder horn is ready for use.

The Artwork on the Front of this horn is inspired by Proverbs 17:12. “Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.” Several people have asked me what this verse means. My interpretation is not to get involved with foolish people trying to do foolish things. In that, it would be better to be between a Mother Bear and her Cub, than to get involved in a fool’s schemes. So, I used a drawing of an angry mother bear is chasing two wolves who are chasing the Bear’s cub, with the verse written in text. There is also a “Don’t Tread on Me” engraved banner. The front also has the head of an American Bald Eagle.

The Back of this horn shows a typical “Hunting Map” showing the various areas to find suitable game, fur, and meat. The end band of this horn horn has a flower motif, done in a reversed back blacked style.

This Horn is one of the featured pieces in the “Contemporary Artist Gallery” section of Jim Stevens’ new book called “Scrimshaw Techniques” published by Schiffer Publishing and available in most book stores.

Here are the Jacket Photos of Mr. Stevens’ Book:

Here is a blog about the book I've written

Here is a blog “Lumberjocks’ Review” of the book: “coming soon, please check back”

-- Mark DeCou - American Contemporary Craft Artisan - www.decoustudio.com