Working on my first horn

[Southlander]

I'm working on my first horn. I decided on a bison horn with the idea that I might want to scrimshaw it with some whitewash or something. Going real slow to get it right and get a feel for doin' it right the first time.

At this point I am almost to the point that the inner plug fits and I have some good ideas on the outer plug shape. What I want to know is how do I prepare the fill plug hole? My kit came with one of those threaded plugs and I have no idea how to make a hole for it. Any help is appreciated.

Southlander

 

[Black Hand]

My recommedation would be to avoid the scrim and forget the fill plug. Substitute a staple.
Info:
http://www.mman.us/powderhornmaking.htm http://www.antiques-arms.com/catal...son-buffalo-powder-horn-circa-185-p-1548.html

If you are determined to use the fill plug, drill a hole through the base plug into which the collar is epoxied. I would suggest that you grease the threads so the collar and the removable portion don't get glued together when you glue in the collar (no chance of accidentally getting epoxy onto the threads if the two parts are together when gluing).

 

[omarick1948]

I think a screw in fill hole on a buffalo horn is more of a modern thing than what might of been found on an original buff horn! As least I have never came across any examples,but I may be wrong! As with original cow powder horns of the 18th and 19th century. Buffalo horns made in the east (with remaining example scarce) were more refined and sometimes fancier carved, sometimes inlays and in general more detailed with decorating. The buff horns of the west were simpler in make-up, with a basic flat or rounded butt plug and a simple iron staple. I have seen original Native American (Sioux) buffalo powder horns with some simple scatching on them and red vermillion rubbed into the scratches. I'm not saying there never was or had, but I have never seen any!

Just some general information for you to think about!

Rick

 

[Southlander]

I'm leaving part of the horn raised above the end plugs for the shoulder strap/thong to attach to. At least that is the plan I'm working from. The vermillion sounds even better than whitewash. Red is my favorite color.

If I don't use the threaded finial for a fill plug, how hard will it be to fill the horn through the pour side? I know that I have seen both styles, but had never thought about that part before getting this kit...

 

[hawkthrower]

Southlander, I have a small brass funnel that I use to fill a horn. I have also seen funnels made from horn for filling and the tried and true simple paper funnel.
Ron

 

[Black Hand]

I'm leaving part of the horn raised above the end plugs for the shoulder strap/thong to attach to.

Are you going to nail the strap to the horn? If not, the strap will slip off the horn. If nailed, then what is your plan for replacing the strap when necessary?

 

[hoochiepapa]

How about something like this? Original from Taos.

 

[Black Hand]

Original from what time period?
I'm seeing features that make me wonder....

 

[hoochiepapa]

I don't know what time period, they just told me it was an original.
Looks good, though, huh?
I was just trying to show the man another way to hang a strap. The PC police strike again.

 

[Twice boom]

That looks good to me,except I would have made the plug to accept the thong same as the horns end. Just an over lip with a slot cut for the thong or strap..
Twice.

 

[omarick1948]

Mike, Now don't get your fur up!....I had a guy sell me a car once and said it;s previous owner was a little old lady, who only drove it to church on Sunday. The thing blew up on me a week later! :cursing:

Anyway, Southlander, I didn't realize that you had the base plug mounted already! As far as that staple. Many newbie horn makers today don't realize that most of those staples were attached to the butt plugs AND horn bodies, by going all the way through the wood (or horn wall on other applications) by tapering the points of the staple(s) and then bending over the tips of course! You have to do this before you go and permenantly secure the butt plug in the horn!

If you could show us a picture of your horn kit. We could probably give you a better solution to that hole!

Rick

 

[Big Lee]

How is the spout end of the horn atached? To me it looks like the bas of the horn is atached to the strap and the plug is atached but not the spout end of the horn.

 

[Black Hand]

Doesn't anybody wonder why the front end of the horn isn't supported? The only attachment I see is at the antler spout plug (another questionable aspect). I question the use of the red white-heart beads on the thongs. Those little brass nails look modern to me.

Looks like somebody cobbled together stuff that "looked right" to pass it off as an original.....

 

[hoochiepapa]

It's okay with me, I like it!! :thumbsup:

 

[omarick1948]

Let's stay on topic to Southlanders post guys!

:wink:

 

[Twice boom]

If we’re talking about Mikes horn, you can see the tab left on the horn. There must be a hole in for the thong. The thong is tied to the tab and the other end to the spout plug. Having the thong attached to the spout plug is not the best method in IMO. It should have been attached on the horn tip.
Twice

 

[Black Hand]

It's okay with me, I like it!! :thumbsup:

I'm glad you like it. I does have some appealing characteristics, but it looks ~1970-ish vintage. But then again, I'm interested in the PC/HC aspects of this hobby.

As I stated above, my vote is for a staple....

 

[hoochiepapa]

No one said it was a 1700 or 1800 or 1900 original. But the person said it was an original, and to me that means to the tribe, and I just don't care about the HC/PC. It was explained to me that the plug was the way it was so that the person did't turn loose of it or the horn until the plug was put back. :idunno:

 

[Black Hand]

No one said it was a 1700 or 1800 or 1900 original. But the person said it was an original, and to me that means to the tribe, and I just don't care about the HC/PC. It was explained to me that the plug was the way it was so that the person did't turn loose of it or the horn until the plug was put back. :idunno:

Sounds like he had an answer for everything....

 

[Southlander]

Mike,
My own horn is going to have the strap attached similar to your pic. In fact, I think you posted it before and that was what inspired me to try it.

I cannot figure out how to post a pic on here, but I have one of my horn as it is right now and if you could PT me on how to do it, I can post it so everyone can see and then the confusion should be cleared up for those who aren't sure.