Horn design/theme question.

[StevePrice2]

For you horners out there. Besides actual horns, pictures or horns, books about horns, museums with horns, etc., etc.... where would one go to get the historically correct desgns, theme ideas, patterns to craft a horn?

For instance, say I want to make one that leans towards a nautical theme that would have fit in with a sailor, Marine, seaman or Navy Officer and have it appear as historically correct as possible without looking like a hodgepodge of nautical scrimshaw?

Or how about something F & I era or 1770-80's? A regular colonist's horn?

The intent of my asking to get some general guidelines (which I have a few ideas of) but want better than to go and copy an original. I'm not out to make a masterpiece but want something cohesive and somewhat accurate.

And finally would something like what I scratched on my plastic hard had for scrim practice look wrong on a horn? for example the below?

Or this from an original handbill passed around recruiting colonies to fight in the F&I campaigns?

Any thoughts?

 

[dyemaker]

I like this one from the Fugio Cent. It states "Mind Your Business". It also appears on Continental Currency and the Continental Silver Dollar. The designs vary. On the flip side of Continental Currency there is 13 interlocked rings with the names of the 13 colonies.
Link

 

[ladysmithtrading]

Museum sites that have collection and images available

 

[Rick Callison]

I think the scrimshaw on your hardhat would be fine. I think period flags are a good source of images. Personally, I'm partial to Texas' first battle flag (the Battle of Gonzales). It shows a cannon, a lone star, and "Come and Take it".

 

[dyemaker]

Here's something about 13 star flags. I imagine there are more flags on the site.

Link

I also found this using google images search. It is not related to the topic at all but I think it is different. It's an 18th century African powder horn.
Link

 

[dyemaker]

Why not adopt cave paintings. Some of the scrimshawed horns look like cave paintings to me anyway...lol

 

[omarick1948]

The biggest reward in engraving horn and general knowledge about the history of powder and other horns is in the research. Looking at museum examples and collections is great if you are able to, but today the computer opens allot of research doors for the Horner and Engraver. You might want to join THE HONOURABLE COMPANY OF HORNERS, where much information is available. If you want to PM me, I can give you some other information, I think you might like!

Rick