General discussion > Antique Accoutrements

Original West Virginia Bag with Horn and Contents

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Dale Halterman:
This pouch is from Hardy County in West Virginia, which is just west of the Shenandoah Valley. It came from the farm where my father grew up, and he played with the pouch and cast balls with the molds inside as a child in the 1920's.

The horn was attached to the main bag straps with smaller straps at one time. I don't believe that the horn is original to the pouch. I took them to Dixon's a few years ago, and one of the bag makers there told me that he believed that the original pouch was hand stitched and professionally made.

The horn is rather crude, with the plain plug whittled to fit the horn, rather than having the mouth of the horn rounded. Note that the flap and the front of the pouch were tanned with the hair on. Also note from the back view that the back was worn though, replaced and worn through again, so it saw much hard use. I believe the main strap was replaced when the back was replaced and the horn was added at that time. The main strap has various holes and slots in it. My father believed in was a salvaged piece of wagon harness.

The last picture shows the contents of the bag when I got it. The measures are on a leather thong that matches a stub on the main strap, indicating that they were once attached there. The cartridge with the measures is a 38 wcf, which indicates the bag was in use as late as 1879.









Dale H

homerifle:
Thanks Dale for showing this outfit. Being from Hampshire county I really I'm glad to see it. What are the dimensions of the bag ?     Lots of Halterman's in the Moorefield area are you originally from there?

Dale Halterman:
Glad you like it. I'll get some dimensions for you tomorrow.

I was not born in WVA, but my father was born in Halterman Hollow near Lost River. They moved to a farm just outside Moorefield when he was a kid, and that is where the pouch came from. So, yes, those are my relatives in Moorefield although I have only been back a few times since my father passed away.

Dale H

homerifle:
Thanks Dale I'll be looking for it.

I sent you a PM.

Dale Halterman:
The width of the bag is a little over 8", the depth of the bag is about 7" and the overall length of the flap is a little over 12". The strap is 1 1/2" wide.

Dale H

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