Sealing a Powder Horn?

[MSK]

Last night I followed Rick's advice on sealing a crack in my antique powder horn and it worked like a charm. Upon blowing in the horn however, I discovered that air is leaking from around the base. I've heard about putting beeswax inside the horn then melting it by heating the horn, but I'd prefer not to do this to an antique. As such, what's the best way to seal from the outside? Is that possible? ]Link[/url]

Thanks, Smollett

 

[George]

The same method with beeswax that you used for the crack has worked for me. From the outside, not by putting wax inside. You can heat the horn a bit to let the wax penetrate more, if needed.

Beeswax is very versatile stuff, it solves a lot of problems for me.

Spence

 

[hoochiepapa]

Just MHO, but if it doesn't leak, leave it alone.

 

[MSK]

Mike: Interesting point. Leak what, powder? It does leak significant air when I blow into it. I'd prefer to leave it be if possible, although I intend to use it once in a great while.

Do tell and thanks,

Smollett

 

[George]

If air can get out, water can get in. A small bit of beeswax should hardly be noticeable, and powder horns need to be waterproof.

Spence

 

[omarick1948]

The advise that Spence gave you is the best and easiest method and one that is time and true tested.

By the way! You can cover-up that hole in the butt plug (Yah, that's what it is called) also with bee's wax with a little crayon wax melted in it to get the color you want. Then forge you out a simple strap staple from a coat hanger or 1/8th inch wire. Pre-drill a couple of undersized holes and tap the staple in. Won't effect the value of this horn one bit! Use a little gun bluing or browning to take the new made off of your staple.

Rick

 

[MSK]

Ha! I was trying to avoid using the term, even if it is a term of art. I was actually thinking of finding an old, hand-cut wood screw to install; that may very well be what was in there originally?

Smollett

 

[omarick1948]

Very well possible, but there is a lot of speculation that the wood screws we see in some of the originals are actually later replacements of the original attachment. Your horn might of had a ring or drawer pull type also.

 

[MSK]

Glad you mentioned it Rick. With such intricate details seen in many of the extant horns, it seems rather incongruous that an able horner would add an element clearly made for a different application and not so pleasing to the eye.
I took a very close look at the base last night to see if I could find additional clues as to what was originally there as a fastener. There is a subtle "flat" or plateau in the middle of the base, about the size of a quarter. Almost dead center inside the flat is the hole.

Does this shed any light?

Thanks.
Smollett

 

[MSK]

I noticed that the "flat" is evident in the photo; it is the circular area in the middle of the base, shown as somewhat lighter in color.

]Link[/url]

 

[omarick1948]

I didn't notice the circle before and it could be from some type of escheon(sic) or thin metal disc plate for maybe a metal loop or strap ring. ... That's my guess!

:idunno: :hmm:

 

[CrackStock]

Why not turn a strap button to attach to the hole in the plug?