Leaf Decoration on Powder Horn

[Mick C]

Hey guys,
I have a question for the amazing horners that often post to the forum.  In a recent Contemporary Makers Blog post, a beautiful bag and horn set was featured:  http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2019/07/ken-scott-hunting-pouch-with-john.html .  The bag is by Ken Scott and the horn is by John Barrett.

My question concerns the leaf decoration on the horn.  How might that type of decoration be done?  Is it a stain, a paint?  Is it brushed on following outlining onto the horn?  Is it stenciled?  Any direction would be greatly appreciated as I have a very plain horn on which I would perhaps like try something.  I'm sure my efforts wouldn't look anything like John's but it might improve my horn a bit.

Thanks!  Mick

[Cades Cove Fiddler]

  ... Great Question,... I have a very old horn with  Mexican War provenance,    and fraktur type decoration (found in North Carolina)with a similar look,.. one of the horn builders at a show told me he thought the design was a type of acid-etch , since it is not engraved or scrimshawed,... will be watching for other thoughts,... thanx for posting,...  CCF...

[Tim Crosby]

 It is called polychroming, there are many here more knowledgeable here than I am, not only on it but the process that creates it. I look forward to their posts.
 Another Good question.

  Tim C.   

[j. pease]

Looks like lead oxide decoration. Both Roland Cadle and Art DeCamp do this on their horns.

[Rick Sheets]

My guess is aqua fortis blushed with a heat gun or old timey soldering iron. Brush on and use medium heat to bring out the golden tones. KEEP THE HEAT SOURCE moving! If you don't like the result, sand off and try it again.

You see this coloration on lots of period horns such as Tansels.

Look at Art DeCamp's website and you will see this color on some of his horns.

Take Care,
Rick Sheets