Powder horns and measures

[Sequatchie Rifle]

I thought I’d share photos of two horns and 2 measures that have been in my family for at least 6, maybe seven generations and will be going to my son when he is ready. They have been in a plexiglass showcase since WWII. The showcase is made from plexiglass salvaged from a plane wreck.
 

[jdm]

WONDERFUL!!! Antique measurers are hard to come by and you've got two passed down through the family. Wow !  Thanks for showing the set here.  I confess I don't know what the cockelbur is for and I probably should.  Jim

[Robert Wolfe]

  I confess I don't know what the cockelbur is for and I probably should.  Jim

That is a dried thistle flower rather than a cocklebur. Given the thistle's strong Scottish symbolism I'd guess there is a family connection there. Sequatchie?

Nice family collection by the way.

[Shopdog]

That is a great thing to have in the family!  The case and salvaged plexi are worth a story in and of itself.  Many thanks for sharing.
Joe

[Tim Crosby]

 Pretty neat, what us the strap retainer on the neck of the large horn made from?

   Tim

[jdm]

  I confess I don't know what the cockelbur is for and I probably should.  Jim
[/quote]

That is a dried thistle flower rather than a cocklebur. Given the thistle's strong Scottish symbolism I'd guess there is a family connection there.
I should have caught that.

So much for my Scottish  heritage . I hope I don't lose my membership in the scotch drinkers club. 

[mr. no gold]

Nice ancestral display, Bill! You are very fortunate to have those items. Any idea where the rifles went? I know where one went out of my family; to the local dump. The women in my mothers's family were 'non gun folk' and dictated that there would be no guns around. So... Thank you for letting us have a look at your treasures. I did get some really fine Indian relics though. At least my grandmothers were not against those.
Dick

[Sequatchie Rifle]

Thanks for the kind comments. Dick, it pains me to here of such a travesty. The thistle has been with them as far back as anyone can remember. There is a thistle on our family crest and my family came from the Scottish Highlands arriving before the Revolution. The straps are leather.

[mr. no gold]

You have a great heritage; there is much there to be proud of. Just an aside, the olde thistle has pretty well kept some color. It is from the Highlands, by any chance?
Dick

[alacran]

Could the dried thistle be used for cleaning instead of tow, or for wadding? Cool measures and horn.

[Kevin]

It is really great that these family items have stayed together over the years.  Thanks for sharing the images of them.

Kevin

[Ken G]

Really neat display and to know the history behind them.  Thanks for sharing.

Ken

[Sequatchie Rifle]

Thanks for all the comment. The thistle was placed there by my grandfather as a reminder of our Scottish ancestry.

[MountainSmoke]

Beautiful display. Fascinating to think about the stories those things could tell. Thanks for sharing.

[Bob Gerard]

What a treasure! Imagine the stories it could tell if it only could!? Very nice and thanks for sharing these great pics!