Powder Horn Help on time period

[Wichoun]

I was able to get this powder horn and I just couldn't pass it up, but have never seen a spout like this. I was hoping someone might have information on time period or any info would be appreciated. It was really dirty and not in working condition when I got it. I didn't even realize it had two round glass pieces to see through the middle. both still in place. I finally got it working and seems to measure about 65 grain of 3F. If anyone might know, or have information I'd appreciate it.

Wichoun

Wichoun

 

[deerstalkert]

now thats too cool for school!
never seen one like it.

 

[cornstalk]

That’s really interesting!

 

[deerstalkert]

with the viewing glass ports on the side a guy could get to the point he could throw reduced loads by just viewing the amount .
i assume the whole head rotates to fill the chamber and then to close it and throw the charge?

 

[oldwood]

That definitely classifies as a Gizmo. Not seen anything like that.

 

[Wichoun]

the exit hole to load is closed with nozzle straight, you then pour forward and fill just the center round cell. so you're right that you can reduce load by looking into it. then when you turn it 90 degrees to the side it opens to pour. much easier pouring at that angle. It's a nice size load for my .50 cal.

 

[deerstalkert]

any markings on it? the rope work on the rims reminds me of some things i have from the 1860's
i am a gadget freak and i love it!

 

[Wichoun]

I'm going to look it over over any markings. I just found picture of one the the spout looks exactly the same except on a round horn instead of flat.. Attached pic. it was dated 1761. I can't be that lucky for only $120 bucks.

 

[Brokennock]

I'm going to look it over over any markings. I just found picture of one the the spout looks exactly the same except on a round horn instead of flat.. Attached pic. it was dated 1761. I can't be that lucky for only $120 bucks.

View attachment 110373

Where did you find the pic, and who there gave the date? There is a strong tendency on some people's part to make things out to be older than they are.

Also, on the one you bought, is there any evidence through wear or a difference in the discoloration of the brass over time,,, of there having been a cap over, or plug inside of, the pour spout? It would seem to me the having that spout 90° up in order to close the main horn is an invitation for water and debris in the spout.
Very cool device though, thank you for sharing and asking.

 

[JohnL]

That is interesting for certain! Keep us posted! I’d like to gather one like that for my collection!

 

[deerstalkert]

when the spout is straight out, is that when the powder is dispensed into the drum?
then one puts the spout into the muzzle and rotates the spout 90* to charge the gun?
if i am correct that would be quick to recharge.
not sure about charging directly from the horn, but it would be fast.

 

[toot]

it is a GIZZY for sure! I also like it.

 

[French Colonial]

I have the twin brother to your horn.

As Deerstalkert suggests when it is straight powder fills the glass cavity and when pivoted 90 degrees it can pour out the spout

Mine is marked Roch ***** Paris (I will get the optivisor out later and see if I can make it out. Look very carefully as yours is probably marked as well.

 

[Robby]

Very cool!!!! I have seen a few before and they were all described as being French.
Robby

 

[Robby]

https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s...sichtglas-antik-sehr-rar-/1685292156-240-3112

The fellow says they were made by "Boche" in Paris
https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=65836.0Robby

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I can't be that lucky for only $120 bucks.

OH YES YOU CAN!
'Tis the Season for Miracles...,

IF I can online run across a rusty old Pedersoli Bess that I figured was OK to buy because I had scrounged a Bess barrel that was good... so the parts and stock were the only thing I really needed...., only to find when it arrived that it was just a little surface rust, and had been modified to resemble an F&I Bess, so I paid around $300 under what should've been asked for the piece..., then you can find a genuine French antique horn, in a rare "flat" configuration for that much.

Just lay off the lottery tickets for a month or two and let your "luck batteries" recharge, eh?

LD

 

[French Colonial]

Robby, you are correct. Here is a little more magnification

 

[Brokennock]

Robby, you are correct. Here is a little more magnification

View attachment 110398

View attachment 110399

Does the head spin as well? In this Las picture it looks like the orientation of the hinged cylinder is different that the 1st post, more like the pic Robby posted, where if the spout were in the pouring position it would be 90° to the flat side of the horn.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Too neat to use. Definitely a collectible. Put on shelf or sell to a museum and buy yerself a user.

 

[French Colonial]

Does the head spin as well? In this Las picture it looks like the orientation of the hinged cylinder is different that the 1st post, more like the pic Robby posted, where if the spout were in the pouring position it would be 90° to the flat side of the horn.

Correct, head does not spin and the spout is 99 degrees to the flat when poring