Author Topic: Salt horns (Read 3798 times)

skillman · « **on:** February 11, 2018, 07:31:47 PM »

I have been kind of following this topic here and not wanting to hijack a thread, decided to start one. Check on page 121 and 122 of Madison Grant's book Powder Horns and their Architecture and you'll find a separate section on salt horns. Most of the originals I have seen attributed to being salt horns follow the style shown in Madison's book. I have seen other styles and I think any vessel that would do the job was probably used at one time or another. Remember that salt is a necessity! Not just a luxury. Also remember that salt bowls or "cellars" were a very common table item before the advent of the shaker. Usually even had a tiny spoon with them.
I made a salt horn in the style shown in Mr. Grant's book for a friend who does Lewis and Clark demos at Fort Clatsop in his spare time. He has it in his "kit" and has for a number of years. This is on the Pacific Coast. It rains a lot. He reports that his salt has never shown signs of getting moist or "chunky".
I make a lot of little containers for my friends in a number of styles. All are quite airtight and work well for spices of all kinds. I think maybe we need to remember that these were clever, inventive people who used what they had to their best advantage.

Steve

iloco · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2018, 08:02:09 PM »

I would like to see some pictures of your salt horns if you have any. I am looking for a salt horn but havent seen what I think I would like to have.

skillman · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2018, 08:34:19 PM »

Here are a few for you iloco.

Steve

Black Hand · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2018, 08:38:15 PM »

skillman · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2018, 08:42:10 PM »

Very nice!! I like these.

Steve

iloco · « **Reply #5 on:** February 11, 2018, 08:59:35 PM »

skillmanI like all the pictures of the horns you have made.
I especially like number 10 down the thread

Black Hand I like yours also. The engraved one I like a lot.

jdm · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2018, 09:01:40 PM »

Here are some I've had for a number of years. They are next to a cork screw to give you an idea of size.

skillman · « **Reply #7 on:** February 11, 2018, 10:12:16 PM »

jdm. These remind me of original snuff horns. Very nice little horns and would be easy to carry and store in one's kit.

Steve

jdm · « **Reply #8 on:** February 11, 2018, 10:25:04 PM »

jdm. These remind me of original snuff horns. Very nice little horns and would be easy to carry and store in one's kit.

Sorry I guess I should have mentioned these are antique horns or at least I bought them as such. I've always called them salt horns although I never thought they would hold much. I suppose a better term would be personal containers for carrying snuff, tobacco or what ever.

Black Hand · « **Reply #9 on:** February 11, 2018, 10:28:11 PM »

They might also be needle cases...

Pare Bowlegs · « **Reply #10 on:** February 11, 2018, 10:30:49 PM »

Reminds me of this one from the late 18th-early 19th c.

Pare-

Black Hand · « **Reply #11 on:** February 11, 2018, 10:42:05 PM »

Another option is a length of cane. I have several cane containers I use for tooth powder, maple sugar and red pepper flake.

skillman · « **Reply #12 on:** February 11, 2018, 10:58:21 PM »

I really like the cane idea. I don't have it around here but I have a plethora of Bamboo. It's a pest and requires constant thinning back. Finally a use for it!

Steve

Black Hand · « **Reply #13 on:** February 11, 2018, 11:03:47 PM »

iloco · « **Reply #14 on:** February 11, 2018, 11:06:22 PM »

Great idea on the cane. I have several stalks I cut a couple years ago. I should have some cork that will fit the open ends.
Thanks for that info Black Hand.

Black Hand · « **Reply #15 on:** February 11, 2018, 11:09:26 PM »

The container on the left has a wood base insert held in place with pins and covered with decorative ropework (reduces the chance of splitting).

skillman · « **Reply #16 on:** February 12, 2018, 12:35:30 AM »

Good ideas and well executed Black Hand.

Steve

Greg Pennell · « **Reply #17 on:** February 12, 2018, 05:05:16 AM »

Lots of good ideas in this thread...thanks for sharing guys!

Greg

Pukka Bundook · « **Reply #18 on:** February 12, 2018, 05:34:34 PM »

Skillman,

Very nice horns ! Grand work.

My salt -horn is like your 3rd photo down, but curved side to the bottom, with a flat on it for standing.

I do like your variety!
Best,

R.

iloco · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2018, 11:18:14 PM »

Made a little container out of River Cane today. Should work ok for carrying salt.

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Author Topic: Salt horns (Read 3798 times)

Black Hand

Black Hand

Pare Bowlegs

Black Hand

Black Hand

Black Hand