Fanciest Engraved Lancaster County PA Horn
It has long been held that John H. Smith was a well-recognized hornsmith in Lancaster, PA during the first half of the 19th Century. Features and details of the original horn that this reproduction is based on matched those on horns that were stamped with Smith's name and location. However, the latest historical research now identifies Smith as a gun maker. This suggests that the stamped horns were private-labeled horns made by someone else. So we don't know for sure who made this style horn. It may have been Frederick Peusch or Casper Forrest, but further research is needed.
While I have made other similar Reproductions, the original that this one is based on is the fanciest I've seen. While the carving on this horn may look a bit scatter brained, it actually has a very unified theme. Each image represents something that was most important to the original owner, e.g., faith, country, family, his marriage, his apparent time at sea, being a Mason, as well as hunting. No telling what order of importance he would have put on those things.
Caring for your powder horn.
Horn items are susceptible to moth and beetle damage. The best thing you can do to avoid this damage is simply to fill it with black powder and use it. If you plan to store your horn, you might be tempted to put it in a box and tuck it away on the top shelf next to the extra towels in the second bedroom where it's good and dry. Giving in to this temptation, may not be a sin, but it's pretty close. You'll be storing up your treasure where moth doth corrupt. You see, worms prefer to dine in the darkness. Instead, when you ain't using it, hang it up on display and let it shine for everyone to see. But be forewarned: they will be bound to ask, "where did you get that powder horn?" And you can say, "from K. Carter, hornsmith, at KC-Hornworks.com."
One last thing: It's always kinda nice to give your powder horn a name. It's just one more way of showing your horn that you really do care.
Shipping Blurb
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