Preservation of an original powder horn

[OldMaineWoodsman]

Hello,

Can I get some guidance on preservation of an original, Revolutionary War era horn? Specifically, the horn itself is very dry and brittle. Additionally, the scrimshaw writing is badly faded. Any advice on arresting further deterioration would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Woodsman

 

[Griz]

Let me start out by saying, I AM NOT AN EXPERT. I was told by a friend and very well known hornsmith that to help keep a horn long lasting that every once in a while you should get a bottle of neatsfoot oil and put some on your hands and rub in on the horn. It will kinda absorb some of it and replenish the oils that dry out of the horn over time. You can find neetsfoot oil at your local drug store. But I am not an expert.

 

[shmrck1]

OMW,
Griz is way to modest. Just wondering if you were
wanting to restore the scrimshaw if so and you don't
get the answers that you need here, i would suggest you
contact a museum and see what they mite suggest. I do
know that some items are best not restored while others
could and should be, value wise. There mite be a simple
process to restore the scrimshaw and maybe not. Like
Griz, I Am Not An Expert, and this is MHO.
snake-eyes :hmm:

 

[rschissler]

I guess the question is: Do you want to restore it, or just preserve it?

 

[OldMaineWoodsman]

Definately looking to just preserve it from further deterioration. Thanks for all the input.