Extreme wear on original powder horns

[T.C.Albert]

I have seen many old horns with a flat worn right into one side...
I would like to know what kind of use do you think may have caused this?
Also, has anyone observed the development of similar wear while
using a contemporary horn over time?

I am wondering if it was a result of natural rubbing and constant abrasion while riding a horse for extended periods while the horn was carried but that's just a guess...
tc

[Micah2]

I would agree with that theory.  Especially considering daily use over years.

[David R. Pennington]

Most of us wear our powder horns for an hour or two at a time at a shoot, or perhaps at most a few days a year hunting. I would imagine a frontiersman with his on his side almost every waking moment for years. While we were at Fort Boonesboro, I think a couple years ago for the ALR get together, a local couple brought in an original horn that her grandfather found digging in the riverbank as a kid. It was worn very thin on one side and crushed through in the thin area.

[Tim Crosby]

 Tim,
  I have always heard it was from, just as you say rubbing against, a bag or clothing. I had one that the Wooden base was also worn to match the horn. If the horn was worn everyday for hours I can see how this could happen.
 Also, think of Banded horns, the older ones have but one band, the thinking is that it was a sacrificial piece added to extend the life of a horn. As in the band wore out before the horn.
Not a very good Pix but this is my horn that was made in the early 70's you can see some wear on it.

  Tim

[mtgraver]

Maybe another thing to add is the material the horn would rub and the dirt. My thought is the dirtier the job and coarse material would aid in the extreme wear we see. I agree Tim, the movement from horse back would seem to increase the potential wear over an extended period of time. Fun to think of the what if's and coulda been's, lol.
Mark