first horn

[gungho]

I have just finised my first horn I am new to black powder so the building of all the accessories is alot of fun any help or tips would be appreciated keep in mind this is my fist one.
I used a horn from a longhorn cow that I recantly bucherd the threads for the caps on bolth ends are made frome a white tale shead that I picked up and the wood plug is made from cherry I still need to add a strap would like to engrave the next one like some I have seen on here but don't know how the small base of the antler beside the horn is a powder measure but am not happy with it
Gung

 

[Norskie]

That's some fine workmanship. Your spout plug had me puzzled until the last pic. How well does that stay in place? Not to pick on your design, but I've never seen a spout done that way.
How do you want to attach your strap? I'd use iron (steel) staples, myself. Predrill the horn so it doesn't split.
Powder measures were usually made from antler tips, not bases. That way they're a little smoother to
handle.
Do some reading, and keep going, you're doing fine!
Moose

 

[gungho]

To build the spout plug I pinned a piece of antler to the tip and threaded it with 3/8 nc threads then I taped the horn it just screws together like a nut and bolt same for the plug on the other end that is where I am uncertin ifn I should have made a simple plug but was worried that it would come out when hunting and I would loose powder.
to attach the straps I was going to make some polised brass fittins this pic should show the threds also the small hammer I built for my flints. your coments are most appreciated

gung

 

[Norskie]

I didn't see the threads on the spout plug. Guess I wasn't expecting them. If it works, good. You should know, though that it is probably not 'period correct'. If that's not an issue for you, more power to you.
Back in the day, they just drilled or burned the hole and fit a wooden plug. Usually the hole and plug were tapered to match. That worked well, and could be done without dies and taps, which were expensive tools back then.
I guess what I'm getting at is; aside from pc cosiderations, you could save yourself some work if you read some books about how the originals were made. Those old guys had some tricks up their sleeves.
Moose

 

[BRUN]

Great job on the horn!My first was a pain!Might be my last :grin:

 

[blacksmithman64]

yep, what leathermoose said! On the spout hole, I drill a 1/4" hole into the horn and then just taper it slightly with a half round needle file.I taper the stopper to moreless match.This gives a good friction fit and it won't seize up if it gets wet.You can use a heavy needle set into a dowel rod to scrim along with a fine bladed knife, I use exacto's a lot.Don't want to put myself out of a job,but I just got some scrimshaw gravers from a fella on ebay and they are fantastic! I done threw my needle away! :thumbsup: