Small cracks in the mouth of horn. A problem?

[Powerkicker]

Newb question here. I just got in a nice looking powder horn that has a few very small cracks through the mouth of the horn near the pour-hole. They do go all the way through the horn but they don't open up when the peg is wedged in place and are only about 1/8" long. Now, I know wood can get these little cracks along the grain and it is no big deal, but does that apply to powder horns too or is this a problem? Thanks.

 

[Black Hand]

Newb question here. I just got in a nice looking powder horn that has a few very small cracks through the mouth of the horn near the pour-hole. They do go all the way through the horn but they don't open up when the peg is wedged in place and are only about 1/8" long. Now, I know wood can get these little cracks along the grain and it is no big deal, but does that apply to powder horns too or is this a problem? Thanks.

Squirt a little superglue into the cracks and wrap it with artificial sinew until it dries. Remove the artificial sinew, scrape off the excess and polish with a little sandpaper and then wax.

 

[musketman]

It sounds to me like the angle of the plug is different than the tapered spout in the horn, this would cause the tip of the horn to split when the plug is snuggled tightly in place.

 

[blacksmithman64]

Can you put up a pic? Something has to be done or it will eventually open up. The super glue thing should work but you can also "collar" it with a brass ring or pewter, or another piece of horn or antler. I have seen all kinds of repairs on originals, but I do not have experience with the pewter.Welcome to the MLF!

 

[Powerkicker]

I can't get a pic because the cracks are so small. I will use the super glue trick and see how that goes. Thanks gents :hatsoff:

 

[Black Hand]

Make sure you degrease the area well before gluing. I use acetone though mineral spirits should also work....

 

[blacksmithman64]

If they're that small, the super glue should do the trick! :thumbsup:

 

[Robby]

Powerkicker, Try the super glue first. If it doesn't work, the cracks will probably get worse. This is one way ti deal with it, surely not the only way. Good luck.

 

[pichou]

Though you're more likely to see baling wire on originals with cracks :haha: :haha:

Wire would be a good clamp for glue though.

 

[Robby]

Pichou, I have never seen one fixed with bailing wire, though I'm sure there are some done that way.
An even easier fix than the one shown, is deer sinew and hide glue. The sinew from the back strap, dried and combed out is very silky. File down the mouth of the horn a touch, leave it rough, soak the sinew in warm water, drag it through some hide glue and squeegey most of it off, Wrap it tight, paint on a little more glue and let it harden up. If you are thoughtful and careful in how you do it, it can even enhance the appearance of the horn. Of course, prolonged to the weather can soften or make the hide glue sticky, so a little wax once in a while won't hurt, or even varnish.
Robby

 

[pichou]

Old powder horns are pretty common around here, especially at farm auctions. You see all kinds of crazy things done over the years. The worst was one that was painted silver.

 

[shooyer_250]

i was thinking wire as well...do the superglue thing then, for authenticity, wire it.. :2

 

[Twice boom]

If not wire and Crazy glue. Do any of you remember the old wooden golf clubs and how the shaft was wound with thread to cover the shaft going in to the hosel of the club.. I think that technique with little super glue will lend itself nicely for the repair the horn.
Twice.

 

[pichou]

I've seen thread on cracked originals too. Natural or green. :haha:

 

[Twice boom]

Hot Pink. :rotf:

 

[pichou]

I think you're going to the wrong antique auctions. :shocked2:

 

[omarick1948]

Man! You guys are over engineering some simply tiny hairline cracks! A little epoxy put into the cracks will last longer than the horn and the horn beetles won't eat the epoxy a hundred years from now!

:thumbsup:

 

[Robby]

Maybe so, but the more information and options a man has, the more likely he will do it right and be happy with his decision.