Correct carry of a horn?

[Erzulis boat]

Did the military (British or US) specify how a powderhorn was worn?

Was it spout forward? Shooting or non shooting side?

Are there any traditional or established methods for mountain men or trappers?

 

[Stumpkiller]

Military horn?

Most military issue would be cartridge boxes. The rifle units were mostly militia and independent companies which were self equipped. Rifle units didn't stand in ranks (except perhaps the Baker units) so side-flash "friendly fire" was not a concern. :imo: It was a matter of personal choice.

I've never seen a mention in a drill book, but that doesn't mean there never was one.

 

[Tumblernotch]

Many rifle companies were issued horns and they are carried on Ordnance Returns at least as late as 1805. The Return of Ordnance, Military Stores, Clothing and Quartermaster's Supplies at the Schuykill show 118 powderhorns with straps as well as 293 stoppers fit for service and 703 powderhorns damaged and unfit for service.

I'd say as far as military use, horns and flasks would have been worn on the right side the same as cartridge boxes, as riflemen used the same manual of arms and often fought as line troops. Early riflemen didn't carry bayonets and the loading procedure was a little different, but other than that they did the same things as everybody else.

In 1850, there were purchased or fabricated at the arsenals 2,000 copper powder flasks as well as 2,000 flask and pouch belts. The money used for this was from the appropriation for arming and equipping the militia. The Ordnance Reports of 1850 and 1851 are very interesting. It was a very busy time in the transition from flint to percussion. Gettin' off topic, but thought I'd throw this in.
:thumbsup:

 

[Cruzatte]

During the War of 1812, there was in Regular US Army service, a unit known as the Regiment of Riflemen. They were equipped with the Model 1803 Harper's Ferry Rifle, pouch, and powderhorn. Their set-up was that the shoulder strap on the pouch was split, part of the split being attached to the pouch, and the other part sewn around the powderhorn.

Here's a link to one website
The First Regiment of United States Riflemen

P.S. I found another.

U.S. Regiment of Riflemen


Cruzatte

 

[Gary]

All the illustrations I've seen of the British Napoleonic era rifleman shows the horn carried on the right side and above the cartridge box. A separate ball pounch was carried in the front of the waistbelt. Priming flask was worn on the chest.