Canadian powder horn

[Hallibag]

Thank you for adding me to the group! A couple days ago, I acquired an old powder horn that seems unusual to me in the it has a copper ring around the mouth end. I’m sure the knowledgeable members here will have seen this before, but it’s a new one to me! Anyway, I’d appreciate it if you’d share any thoughts on this horn, which was found in central Ontario, Canada. Particularly, I’d love to know when it dates to (my best guess is 1840s-1850s) and if it’s of a style from this part of the world, or if it was likely made somewhere else. I’ve tried researching these things but am not finding a lot of great references online.

[Kevin]

Hallibag,

Welcome to the ALR forum and thank you for sharing the images of this horn.  I do not have any insights on the construction technique but I really like the decorations.

Hopefully someone comes along with some insights on the construction of this horn.

Kevin

[smylee grouch]

Welcome Hallibag. I can't offer any help on your horn except to say its a neat and interesting find. Thanks for sharing all the photos. 👍👍 

[Hallibag]

Thank you, Kevin and Smylee Grouch! I’m very glad to be part of this wonderful forum. 😊

[Jeff Murray]

Very interesting horn.  Some of the graphics such as birds etc. were fairly common on horns that were engraved.  It looks like some musket hardware might have been reworked to provide the strap attachments.  Welcome and thanks for sharing the photos.   It is always fun to see originals.

[Hallibag]

Thank you, Jeff Murray. I was wondering if the sling swivels had come from a musket. Hopefully somebody recognizes them as it would be interesting to know the gun they were sourced from.

[Robby]

What a beautiful old horn!
Robby

[Tecumseh]

From the pics the horn definitely appears to be an original and maybe earlier than your guess at time period, then was modified by a later owner with the base attachment and swivel. Nice find, beautiful folk art horn.

[Hallibag]

Thank you, Tucumseh. I did wonder if it might be an older horn that was modified over time, and am glad someone else is thinking along these lines. I believe I’ve identified the A.E. Waters named on the horn, and he lived 1850-1910. Perhaps this was his father’s, or grandfather’s, horn?

[Marcruger]

Not sure of the date, but that engraved hunter's gun/rifle is a flintlock.  I see a frizzen and a hammer.  Also, love the curly maple engraved on the gun stock.   

[Hallibag]

Great observation, Marcruger!

Also, I think I’ve figured out what this drawing depicts:



I believe it’s a traditional headdress worn by the Ojibwe people, who are indigenous to the area where the horn was found. Here’s a photo of such a headdress:

[Clark Badgett]

It is of a British issue style that is now missing the brass end spout. It was probably surplussed out of service and continued life in private hands. The end plug looks replaced.
https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NANNOS-British-powder-horn-v126.pdf