AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Antique Accoutrements => Topic started by: Jeff Murray on September 16, 2025, 11:08:30 PM

Title: Civil War Era Horn butt screw base?
Post by: Jeff Murray on September 16, 2025, 11:08:30 PM

This horn was represented to a friend and possible buyer as an authentic Civil-War era horn.  The screw base is unusual.  Have you seen a base of this construction on an authentic antique horn before?
(https://i.ibb.co/bjHDM8Y1/IMG-8874.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hxXwJtrs)

Title: Re: Civil War Horn wutg screw base?
Post by: whetrock on September 16, 2025, 11:39:40 PM

Hi Jeff,
Are you just asking if civil war era horns ever had screw-in plugs like this?
Or are you also asking if this horn is 160 years old?
They are very different questions.

Title: Re: Civil War Horn wutg screw base?
Post by: Jeff Murray on September 17, 2025, 04:09:47 AM

Opinions on both issues would be welcomed.

Title: Re: Civil War Horn wutg screw base?
Post by: Jeff Murray on September 17, 2025, 04:12:12 AM

I know that screw bases were common on earlier horns but have not seen one of this design.  Those I have seen don't have the entire "base covernig" unscrew.

Title: Re: Civil War Horn wutg screw base?
Post by: Tanselman on September 17, 2025, 05:20:49 AM

Two details do not look correct for an original horn. First, most horns with screw-out noses are funneled behind the removable nose, creating a shallow funnel for loading powder more easily. This horn appears to be flat behind the screw-of nose, suggesting it is a modern interpretation. Most original horns or the Civil War era used iron pins to attach the butt plug. Use of small brass brads with raised heads is almost always a modern detail.

Shelby Gallien

Title: Re: Civil War Horn wutg screw base?
Post by: Tim Crosby on September 17, 2025, 02:15:00 PM

 I would say it is not old based on how clean the threads are. A couple more Pix may help. There is one with a base very similar on pg. 282 of Dr. Hopkins' "Bone Tipped & Banded Horns Vol I. It is listed as a Virginia horn. There are also others with a screw in finial also listed a Western Va. 

    Tim

Title: Re: Civil War Horn wutg screw base?
Post by: Jeff Murray on September 17, 2025, 06:43:51 PM

Thanks for the feedback.  I will check the photo mentioned.

Title: Re: Civil War Horn wutg screw base?
Post by: Tim Crosby on September 18, 2025, 01:48:18 PM

 Do you have a Pic of the tip and that strap connection on the side? Looks like it may be a furniture pull.

    Tim

Title: Re: Civil War Era Horn butt screw base?
Post by: Jeff Murray on September 20, 2025, 03:00:30 AM

I do not.  This is the only picture he took.