George IV Scottish Powder Horn

[Twa_Corbies]

Here are some pics of a George IV era Scottish powder horn that I was fortunate enough to come into possession of recently. It is mounted with sterling silver, etched with thistle designs, and has a large cairngorm set into the base. The hallmarks on the silver fittings indicate that it was made by a London silversmith whose intitals were T.M. and it bears the date letter (i) for 1824:

[Cynthia]

Very cool! I love the thistle design, very lovely. Thanks for sharing with us, and congrats on acquiring such a neat item!

[puffer]

That is BEAUTIFUL. What I I find "interesting" is that it is a "departure" from the "classic" Highland" horn. The "classic" Horn was "flat"



IMHO It is an early GREAT EXAMPLE of how the "English" were ADAPTING the concept of what was "Scottish"

Puffer

[Kiltman]

It may be a departure from the classic horn but it is beautiful.

[Twa_Corbies]

Yes the classic Highland powderhorn is most often flat, though flat powder horns are not an exclusively Scottish style, as the flat horn was also common in Germany, the Low Countries, France, and even in Sweden. I imagine the horn that I have was made as a result of King George IV's famous visit to Scotland, which created quite a sensation a couple of years earlier in 1822, though the Highland Society of London had already been well established long before Sir Walter Scott's choreographed Royal spectacular.

[puffer]

Yes the classic Highland powderhorn is most often flat, though flat powder horns are not an exclusively Scottish style, as the flat horn was also common in Germany, the Low Countries, France, and even in Sweden. I imagine the horn that I have was made as a result of King George IV's famous visit to Scotland, which created quite a sensation a couple of years earlier in 1822, though the Highland Society of London had already been well established long before Sir Walter Scott's choreographed Royal spectacular.

IMHO, You are correct. Again it is BEAUTIFUL & is is, IMHO, a PRIZED example of the "trasition" of "what was "Scottish" from an early date.

Puffer

[McFarkus]

Beautiful. The same general idea was also used for snuff mulls. The picture below gives you an idea, but some were virtually identical to the powder horns.

[Twa_Corbies]

Beautiful. The same general idea was also used for snuff mulls. The picture below gives you an idea, but some were virtually identical to the powder horns.

That's lovely, nice Scottish agate setting on the lid too. Snuff-taking was all the rage back in the 19th century, and many a Scotsman enjoyed his pinch of snuff from mulls like that one. Larger versions, called "toast-master's mulls" would often have a set of silver tools attached to the horn with fine chains, and frequently a small ivory mallet used to tap the host's drinking glass when proposing a toast at a group meeting.

[1MUNK3]

Wonderful examples. I love all the pictures that have been shared. Thank you. You indeed are very fortunate to be in possession of such a fine powder horn. Beautiful !

[Jock Scot]

A very nice piece indeed.