Overhaul of really cheap horn

[davec2]

A ways back, I purchased a couple of really, really cheap horns for my then 9 and 13 year old nephews, basically to use as toys. I overhauled one for the eldest a several years ago. However, I forgot to take any pictures of the horn before I started. So then the youngest one wanted his horn improved a little. This is the $17 horn I started with:











I asked him if he had anything in mind for his horn and told him I probably could not do much engraving because the horn was so dark. He was into pirates then and wanted to know if I could do anything on the horn that was from Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island". I wasn't sure I could do much but said I would give it a try....I shouldn't have asked !

I made a new base plug, applied an antler tip, and made a couple of brass ring fittings to attach a strap. The map is from one of the original contemporary drawings of the mythical Treasure Island and the ship is rigged like a mid 18th century "Hispaniola". The stopper is turned rosewood and is supposed to look like a ship's stern lantern. I tried to make the whole thing not look too hokey or cartoon like.

At any rate, this is how it came out......

 

[andy52]

A ways back, I purchased a couple of really, really cheap horns for my then 9 and 13 year old nephews, basically to use as toys. I overhauled one for the eldest a several years ago. However, I forgot to take any pictures of the horn before I started. So then the youngest one wanted his horn improved a little. This is the $17 horn I started with:











I asked him if he had anything in mind for his horn and told him I probably could not do much engraving because the horn was so dark. He was into pirates then and wanted to know if I could do anything on the horn that was from Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island". I wasn't sure I could do much but said I would give it a try....I shouldn't have asked !

I made a new base plug, applied an antler tip, and made a couple of brass ring fittings to attach a strap. The map is from one of the original contemporary drawings of the mythical Treasure Island and the ship is rigged like a mid 18th century "Hispaniola". The stopper is turned rosewood and is supposed to look like a ship's stern lantern. I tried to make the whole thing not look too hokey or cartoon like.

At any rate, this is how it came out......

That is outstanding work, as a old salt I love the ship.

 

[deerstalkert]

shiver me timber's! that is gorgeous !

 

[sawyer04]

Wow, you can make a silk purse out of a sows ear, bet ya.

 

[leadhoarder]

Really nice work. That looks amazing.

 

[Winchester97]

Holy crap! That is amazing. Nice work.

 

[nhmoose]

Great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SDSmlf]

I’d make you an offer to better than double your money, but wouldn’t want you tempted to take me up on it and upset your nephew.

 

[Justin.44]

That is incredible! Great work

 

[dragnetbill]

A ways back, I purchased a couple of really, really cheap horns for my then 9 and 13 year old nephews, basically to use as toys. I overhauled one for the eldest a several years ago. However, I forgot to take any pictures of the horn before I started. So then the youngest one wanted his horn improved a little. This is the $17 horn I started with:











I asked him if he had anything in mind for his horn and told him I probably could not do much engraving because the horn was so dark. He was into pirates then and wanted to know if I could do anything on the horn that was from Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island". I wasn't sure I could do much but said I would give it a try....I shouldn't have asked !

I made a new base plug, applied an antler tip, and made a couple of brass ring fittings to attach a strap. The map is from one of the original contemporary drawings of the mythical Treasure Island and the ship is rigged like a mid 18th century "Hispaniola". The stopper is turned rosewood and is supposed to look like a ship's stern lantern. I tried to make the whole thing not look too hokey or cartoon like.

At any rate, this is how it came out......

Well, you sure "ruined" that horn; it'll never be worth $17 now........

 

[Robby]

Dave, Are you using those push gravers for scrimshawing on the horn the same way they would be used on metal?
Robby

 

[appalichian hunter]

Very nice transformation.

 

[Bob McBride]

Brilliant.

 

[user 48679]

That's some toy you made there, Dave - very nice....

 

[Capnball]

A ways back, I purchased a couple of really, really cheap horns for my then 9 and 13 year old nephews, basically to use as toys. I overhauled one for the eldest a several years ago. However, I forgot to take any pictures of the horn before I started. So then the youngest one wanted his horn improved a little. This is the $17 horn I started with:











I asked him if he had anything in mind for his horn and told him I probably could not do much engraving because the horn was so dark. He was into pirates then and wanted to know if I could do anything on the horn that was from Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island". I wasn't sure I could do much but said I would give it a try....I shouldn't have asked !

I made a new base plug, applied an antler tip, and made a couple of brass ring fittings to attach a strap. The map is from one of the original contemporary drawings of the mythical Treasure Island and the ship is rigged like a mid 18th century "Hispaniola". The stopper is turned rosewood and is supposed to look like a ship's stern lantern. I tried to make the whole thing not look too hokey or cartoon like.

At any rate, this is how it came out......

Very nicely done and a project I might be doing soon myself. I think I have the same cheap powder horn. It's a good jumping off point.

 

[davec2]

Robby,

Here is an assortment of tools I use for scrimshaw work on horn, bone, and ivory. For many years, I did most of the work with a very large sail maker's needle (second from the right) stoned to very sharp triangular tip (it cuts easily in any direction.) The other tools are used to make bolder or finer lines. Conventional gravers, scribes, and surgical scalpels are all very useful, although some work better in horn than in whale or elephant ivory. Try anything like these that is sharp. You may find something that works better than the tool / handle you are looking for. However, the 4th tool from the right is an aluminum handle with a collet arrangement at the tip to hold 3/32 " diameter dental burs. It is much as you describe and can be had from jewelry supply houses.



Cutting done with a graver and scalpel on horn:



Cutting done with sail maker's needle on whale ivory:

 

[Pork Chop]

Unbelievable transformation! Extremely well done!!

 

[Robby]

Thank you Dave. i will give it a go.
Robby

 

[Dibbuk]

beautiful work.

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

It’s all been said….