Green Horn

[Tim Crosby]

   It is about 14” around the outside curve, the base is Walnut, hollowed out about 3/4s of the way, held in place but the same four pins that keep the base ring in place. The tip is one piece of Whitetail antler, three pins hold it in place. The rings were heated, pressed on and held in place with three pins each. The rings were dyed and the horn color comes from a long bath in Gunpowder Green Tea, then a coat of Brown shoe polish and buffed.

   Tim C.

[EricEwing]

Gorgeous horn Tim! Love that color and the tone of the whole thing.

[hanshi]

Excellent craftsmanship on the handsome horn.  Question: were the bands just put on these horns for decorative effect or did they serve some purpose?

[smokinbuck]

Tim,
One more for the good guys, nice looking horn. The color is close to the big blowing horn.
Mark

[skillman]

Nice Tim. Never thought of using tea. It looks like it worked well. Let us know if it fades in sunlight.

Steve

[Frank Barker]

That is a beautiful horn there Tim, you never cease to amaze me with your talent.

Kind Regards    Frank

[gizamo]

Yet another beauty Tim. 

I really like the color. Can you post your green tea recipe?  I would like to try it on my next horn.

[David Rase]

Great looking horn Tim!  A real beauty.  There is a lot to like, especially the base plug and spout.
Davi

[rickevans]

Nicely done sir. Another beauty.

[Tim Crosby]

 I am glad it went over well. Here is how I get the color.

 First it is really Gunpowder Green Tea, made by Twinings. It is hard to find but it is out there, Giant Eagle carries it here, sometimes. I mixed a 3.5oz can with two gallons of hot water to start, then store it in gallon milk jugs. It can be used over and over, I do not strain the leaves out. Put enough in a pan to cover the horn, put the top on bring it to a boil then let it simmer for an hour or so. Then turn it off and let it sit over night, next day bring it back to a boil let it go until the horn softens up, put you sizer back in and let it cool. The base plug, bands and tip are already made and fitted. The more solid color horn you have the better the color, no splotches.


   Tim C.

[Tim Crosby]

  Question: were the bands just put on these horns for decorative effect or did they serve some purpose?

   If a horn rubs against the body, bag, saddle, etc.. it will rub tin or through. It is my belief that early on a single band was used as a sacrificial piece. As in the placement of the band, in the rub spot, would allow the band to rub through before the horn, (Could they have been replaced?) I think over time more bands were added as decoration or maybe thinking they would protect the horn, like strengthen a thin walled horn. 
 There are many more out there with more knowledge on the subject than I have, this is just my thinking.

    Tim C.

[gizamo]

Tim,

Going to give your receipt a try.....

Thanks for sharing!