Old Colonial Grease Horn or Powder Horn?

drac2k · 22nd March 2021, 10:03 PM

I have what I believe to be an old grease horn, however, since the top is pinned to the horn with iron nails and there is a small hinged opening I guess there is the remote possibility that it is a powder horn. The bottom iron cap does not have a hole and it is not fastened to the horn, however since it is firmly affixed, experience has taught me not to force it off, as this always tends to have the same regrettable outcome.
Any second opinions?

drac2k · 25th March 2021, 04:40 AM

A friend commented that the horn looked like it came from an American Bison(Buffalo), so that this would indicate that it is American and probably of Mid Western to Western origin.

kahnjar1 · 26th March 2021, 12:54 AM

If this is a grease horn, how does one force the grease out the business end? My guess is a powder horn, though I have no idea as to origin..
Stu

drac2k · 26th March 2021, 04:31 AM

I agree, even though I found some grease horn examples with cattle horn; the chain work and the hook were the same for hanging from the oxen yokes. Wouldn't they use brass or wood on the top instead of metal on a powder horn?

drac2k · 26th March 2021, 11:16 PM

I just talked to a knowledgeable old-timer and he told me that it is a traveling oil lamp, circa 1750-1820; the wick would come out of the portal on top.
Makes sense.

kahnjar1 · 27th March 2021, 05:08 AM

Interesting item and probably quite rare to find. Makes sense with the hanging hook placed where it is.
Very nice.
Stu

drac2k · 27th March 2021, 01:57 PM

Thanks; It was driving me crazy. I didn't think it was a powder horn, but I could not figure out what it was.

22nd March 2021, 10:03 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Old Colonial Grease Horn or Powder Horn? I have what I believe to be an old grease horn, however, since the top is pinned to the horn with iron nails and there is a small hinged opening I guess there is the remote possibility that it is a powder horn. The bottom iron cap does not have a hole and it is not fastened to the horn, however since it is firmly affixed, experience has taught me not to force it off, as this always tends to have the same regrettable outcome. Any second opinions? Attached Images

25th March 2021, 04:40 AM	#2
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	A friend commented that the horn looked like it came from an American Bison(Buffalo), so that this would indicate that it is American and probably of Mid Western to Western origin.

26th March 2021, 12:54 AM	#3
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,739	If this is a grease horn, how does one force the grease out the business end? My guess is a powder horn, though I have no idea as to origin.. Stu

26th March 2021, 04:31 AM	#4
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	I agree, even though I found some grease horn examples with cattle horn; the chain work and the hook were the same for hanging from the oxen yokes. Wouldn't they use brass or wood on the top instead of metal on a powder horn?

26th March 2021, 11:16 PM	#5
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	I just talked to a knowledgeable old-timer and he told me that it is a traveling oil lamp, circa 1750-1820; the wick would come out of the portal on top. Makes sense.

27th March 2021, 05:08 AM	#6
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,739	Interesting item and probably quite rare to find. Makes sense with the hanging hook placed where it is. Very nice. Stu

27th March 2021, 01:57 PM	#7
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Thanks; It was driving me crazy. I didn't think it was a powder horn, but I could not figure out what it was.