Here is a mid-19^th century example of a typical powder horn in use at that time and created by a maker now lost to history. This powder horn specimen came from the renowned Rosensteel Family Collection of Gettysburg and was once part of the Gettysburg National Park Service collection.

The cow horn, with its 2¼” wide diameter wooden plug, measures roughly 8” in overall length. Horn body tapers to a simple incised border to the throat area. One half inch from the tip is a shallow recess that encircles the throat and provides a collar of sorts to secure a carrying sling, now missing. The tapered spout, or narrow end of the horn, has a ¼” wide diameter pouring aperture. Inserted at the butt end of the horn is a circular, rounded over wooden insert of wood, likely pine, that is secured to horn body with five iron tacks nailed in place. Center of the plug exhibits a modern flat head screw that secures a small length of twine.

This uncleaned, light weight specimen is in excellent condition. Horn has acquired a smooth surface and features a mellow, darkened pale beige color patina overall. No carved images or other details are visible on the horn. Has one collector’s item number “16015” painted in black paint on a white background. Here in unspoiled condition, is a wonderful, early artifact that represents a specimen from the famous Rosensteel Family Collection from Gettysburg.

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