Smaller horn, better bourne!

[Bruce]

             When I was a might of a lad I was fortunate enough to be at a location and time when the very dregs "smoke-pole" use was still in the hands of those who were either too poor to purchase a "modern" rifle or just too obstinate.  Lucky for this writer as I registered what I saw.  Now, turning my mind's eye reversible, as Norman Corwin said, I recall the simplicity with which these folks used their muzzle-loaders; pour a pile of powder in the palm and dump it down the barrel, same with the shot.  Years of experience was manifest in their application of loading "smoke and noise" guns.

   Now to get where I was headed.  I traipsed the woods and fields with three of these ole-timers and each carried two small horns: one for shot, the other for powder.  The horns were small; usually between 3 and 4 inches.  They were called "day-horns" and fit nicely in pouch or pocket.  Today, it seems, we make horns to carry enough powder to last us for a good battle.  I know I do.  But would it not be most reasonable for the farmer of yore to carry the smaller version?  Rather hump the bigger carcass than a bigger horn.

                                      Himmelsnoot Flickblatter, a hoary old horner.

[skillman]

Bruce
All of the old horns I have found in my secondhand store hunting here in western Washington have been small horns or ball horns. I think that was the typical horn for farmers and pilgrims. That's what made it out here with most of the settlers. Remember though, that my area was settled late.
I have seen some really nice, very old horns found by friends out here on the west coast. I believe these were brought out as family heirlooms and that's why their out here.
I believe there were different reasons to carry different size horns. That's why there are so many surviving variations.
Just a thought.
Steve

[Randy Hedden]

Most of the old horns shown in the various horn books have a military connection or were at least used when large caliber rifles were common.  Riflemen were required to carry enough powder for a certain amount of shots.  For example, Roger's Rangers were, I believe, required to carry enough powder and ball for 60 shots.  Hence a horn larger than a typical day horn was needed.

Now, if you were a farmer who was just out for a days hunting you could carry just enough powder and shot for a few shots and fit it into a couple of rather small day horns.  I wonder if the old timers you were out with had a larger "supply" horn at home?

Randy Hedden

[Bruce]

  I wonder if the old timers you were out with had a larger "supply" horn at home?

Randy Hedden

         I doubt it seeing they were too younger to join Roger's Rangers.  The Rough Riders would have been more their style.  But then again they would not needed the ole powder horn.