Early American | Curved Horn Vessel with Wooden Stopper & Provenance Label | Circa 18th – 19th Century
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: North America or Europe (likely Anglo-American or Continental European)
Material: Natural animal horn with wooden stopper, cord, and fitted plug
Period: Circa 18th–19th Century
Description
This authentic antique horn vessel is a finely preserved example of a traditional hand-crafted horn container, historically used for the storage of gunpowder or other dry materials. Expertly shaped from a single section of natural horn, the vessel exhibits a graceful curved profile with a smoothly polished surface, transitioning from warm translucent amber tones to deeper olive-brown coloration toward the tip.
The narrow spout terminates in a fitted wooden stopper, secured with an original cord, while the wider end is sealed with a shaped wooden base plug. Notably, the base retains an old museum or private collection label, indicating early documentation and long-term preservation within a curated collection. The horn’s surface displays honest age wear, fine surface marks, and natural striations consistent with centuries-old horn working techniques.
Such vessels were essential personal accessories for hunters, soldiers, and frontiersmen prior to the widespread use of metal cartridges, serving both practical and symbolic roles in daily life.
Features
- Hand-worked natural horn construction
- Elegant curved profile with rich, naturally developed patina
- Original wooden stopper and fitted wooden base plug
- Retains old museum or private collection label
- Original suspension cord present
- Classic utilitarian form associated with early firearms culture
Cultural Significance
Horn containers such as this were indispensable tools in the pre-industrial world, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Used primarily for carrying gunpowder, they accompanied hunters, settlers, and soldiers across Europe and North America. Beyond their functional purpose, these objects often reflected personal craftsmanship, regional traditions, and individual ownership.
Condition
Very good authentic antique condition. Expected surface wear, minor scratches, and age-related patina consistent with long-term use and handling. Wooden stopper and base plug remain intact. Cord shows age but remains stable. Museum or collection label preserved. No modern restorations observed.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Length: 14 in
Age
Approximately 150–250 years old
Learn More
Explore an engraved scrimshaw powder horn featuring maritime imagery in the Sea Museum Collection
Discover more collectible firearms, powder horns, and historical weaponry in our curated Collectible Firearms & Historical Weaponry Collection
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: North America or Europe (likely Anglo-American or Continental European)
Material: Natural animal horn with wooden stopper, cord, and fitted plug
Period: Circa 18th–19th Century
Description
This authentic antique horn vessel is a finely preserved example of a traditional hand-crafted horn container, historically used for the storage of gunpowder or other dry materials. Expertly shaped from a single section of natural horn, the vessel exhibits a graceful curved profile with a smoothly polished surface, transitioning from warm translucent amber tones to deeper olive-brown coloration toward the tip.
The narrow spout terminates in a fitted wooden stopper, secured with an original cord, while the wider end is sealed with a shaped wooden base plug. Notably, the base retains an old museum or private collection label, indicating early documentation and long-term preservation within a curated collection. The horn’s surface displays honest age wear, fine surface marks, and natural striations consistent with centuries-old horn working techniques.
Such vessels were essential personal accessories for hunters, soldiers, and frontiersmen prior to the widespread use of metal cartridges, serving both practical and symbolic roles in daily life.
Features
- Hand-worked natural horn construction
- Elegant curved profile with rich, naturally developed patina
- Original wooden stopper and fitted wooden base plug
- Retains old museum or private collection label
- Original suspension cord present
- Classic utilitarian form associated with early firearms culture
Cultural Significance
Horn containers such as this were indispensable tools in the pre-industrial world, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Used primarily for carrying gunpowder, they accompanied hunters, settlers, and soldiers across Europe and North America. Beyond their functional purpose, these objects often reflected personal craftsmanship, regional traditions, and individual ownership.
Condition
Very good authentic antique condition. Expected surface wear, minor scratches, and age-related patina consistent with long-term use and handling. Wooden stopper and base plug remain intact. Cord shows age but remains stable. Museum or collection label preserved. No modern restorations observed.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Length: 14 in
Age
Approximately 150–250 years old
Learn More
Explore an engraved scrimshaw powder horn featuring maritime imagery in the Sea Museum Collection
Discover more collectible firearms, powder horns, and historical weaponry in our curated Collectible Firearms & Historical Weaponry Collection
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