Author Topic: Original British priming horns  (Read 998 times)

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Offline A.Roads

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Original British priming horns
« on: October 31, 2009, 11:44:49 PM »
Hi all,
I'm currently doing a detailed study on British military powder horns, quite a few of which belong to the artillery service. I was wondering if anyone here has originals of these in their collections?
I am trying to gather data from as many examples as possible to help with pattern & marking variations etc.
There are two types of artillery priming horns most commonly encountered, the large Royal Navy horns, usually marked BO or WD in conjunction with the broad arrow. Or the smaller Royal Artillery priming horn carried by the gunners on their person, usually marked RRA with Battalion number & "rack" number.
See examples below.....
Regards, Adrian.


Offline cannonmn

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Re: Original British priming horns
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2009, 12:53:52 AM »
I don't know of any personally but if you would post here, you would probably find out about any in public or some private collections in the US.  You can post there as a guest using the colored button at bottom of the page here:

http://www.military-historians.org/

The site is currently limited to one photo, but you can insert a link to another, or simply link back to this post if you feel all 3 are required.

I'm glad you posted the photos, by the way, because I've never seen one of those horns but would be tempted to buy it if I thought I'd found a real one.

Did you see my recently-acquired model of a British traversing platform, here?  http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,185849.0.html

It probably belongs in some UK museum.  Maybe one of them has an ugly old unwanted Whitworth 12 pdr. RBL to trade?

Offline KABAR2

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Re: Original British priming horns
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2009, 05:34:53 AM »
A friend has one of the navy pattern with WD and broad arrow mark, it was found in an antique shop on Long Island,

it may be some time till I see him but I have been meaning to talk him out of it......( a little horse trading)

if I can get it I'll get you photo's and measurements, If I can't get it I'll get you photo's and measurements,

Oh the filler plug was missing when he got it, we made a replacement form examples photographed From the George Newman collection.
Mr president I do not cling to either my gun or my Bible.... my gun is holstered on my side so I may carry my Bible and quote from it!

Sed tamen sal petrae LURO VOPO CAN UTRIET sulphuris; et sic facies tonituum et coruscationem si scias artficium

Offline KABAR2

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Re: Original British priming horns
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2009, 07:35:15 AM »
Adrian,

George Newman donated his collection to I believe the National Park Service, perhaps you could contact them and see if they could be of any help,

Also check with Colonial Williamsburg, they have some in their collections also.
Mr president I do not cling to either my gun or my Bible.... my gun is holstered on my side so I may carry my Bible and quote from it!

Sed tamen sal petrae LURO VOPO CAN UTRIET sulphuris; et sic facies tonituum et coruscationem si scias artficium

Offline A.Roads

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Re: Original British priming horns
« Reply #4 on: November 02, 2009, 10:36:42 AM »
Thank you for the replies I will follow up with the suggestions made.

KABAR2 images of that horn would be nice if you can get them - also interested to learn if there is a brass ferrule where the filler plug/handle screws into the wood base.

cannonmn I did see the traversing platform model, I do believe that it is an accurate depiction though I am not sure of which platform pattern - there is not a great deal of info on pre 1860s platforms - a very nice model & unusual in all brass.
Adrian.

Offline KABAR2

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Re: Original British priming horns
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2009, 11:49:42 AM »
Adrian,

The wood plug in the horn had no ferrule, the spring stopper if memory serves was iron, I don't remember which end the WD and broad arrow were at,

it's been about 10 years since I looked at it. I am hoping to get him to come down to the house for the holidays I will see if I can get him to bring it then.

If I can get it, it will be an early Christmas present from me to me.  :D

Allen <><



P.S. any more interesting artillery photo's you care to share from your neck of the woods?
Mr president I do not cling to either my gun or my Bible.... my gun is holstered on my side so I may carry my Bible and quote from it!

Sed tamen sal petrae LURO VOPO CAN UTRIET sulphuris; et sic facies tonituum et coruscationem si scias artficium