Powder horn plug question

[Scout]

I have a F&I War style horn that I need some advice on. I have the plug ( stopper?) for the opening I pour the powder from.  I  have some nice old cuckoo clock chain ( has a nice patina ) that I want to use to attach the plug to the horn strap where it wraps on the horn.

My question: is there a source for small rings or something to attach the chain to the strap that someone makes or what can I use to make them? I also want to use the chain on the antler tip powder measure I made.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Jerry V Lape]

If you are planning on using this horn, you might want to leave the plug unattached and form the habit of holding the plug between your teeth.  This is a safety practice many have adopted as it makes sure the plug is returned to the horn before you fire your flintlock which presents the possiblility of igniting the horn should you leave the plug dangling rather than protecting the powder.

[Scout]

If you are planning on using this horn, you might want to leave the plug unattached and for the habit of holding the plug between your teeth.  This is a safety practice many have adopted as it makes sure the plug is returned to the horn before you fire you flintlock which presents the possiblility of igniting the horn should you leave the plug dangling rather than protecting the powder.

Thanks for the safety advice . As much as I get to go shooting these days, I'll try and complete my horn with a chain. It has a piece of sinew holding it now. All the years I have shot BP I always returned the plug back into the horn prior to priming the pan . I 'm pretty safety minded.

[smorrison]

You might try making the rings from wire such as 1/16 in welding rod.  Heat with a torch and bend around a mandrel of the proper diameter...

Scott

[jrice]

OleScout, What I make small rings of different sizes is a course thread bolt like a 1/2-13 carriage bolt and an old steel coat hanger. Just put the bolt in a vise drill a hole in it so the coat hanger will slip through, then heat the wire and bend to fit in the threads, tapping as you go to put those forged marks on it. Use vice grips on the end of wire while heating and winding.I make several wraps, then cut them the length of the bolt and you have a bunch of rings. Hope this helps. Jerry

[Scout]

OleScout, What I make small rings of different sizes is a course thread bolt like a 1/2-13 carriage bolt and an old steel coat hanger. Just put the bolt in a vise drill a hole in it so the coat hanger will slip through, then heat the wire and bend to fit in the threads, tapping as you go to put those forged marks on it. Use vice grips on the end of wire while heating and winding.I make several wraps, then cut them the length of the bolt and you have a bunch of rings. Hope this helps. Jerry

Great idea ! I'll try it out.

Thanks Jerry !