Scrimshaw Powder Horn 21; Black Powder Container for Muzzleloading Era Firearms

This powder horn Number 21 has been SOLD (12-19-2008)

Visit here, for another horn that is still for sale

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 email me at:
mark@decoustudio.com
http://www.decoustudio.com

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Project Story:

This is a powder horn that is (was) commonly used to carry black powder for using in a muzzle loading firearm. 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.

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.

Typically, people haven’t really 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 actual use in the field.

The Artwork on the Front of this horn is inspired by Psalms 135:6-7. ”The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.”

There is also a Sand Piper bird, American Bald Eagle, Tall Mast Sailing Ship, Bull Moose, and other details.

Here is what the Powder Horn looked like before the Scrimshaw Artwork:

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My work has been included 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:

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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