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

[Twa_Corbies]

Here are some nice examples of the more typical flat-style powderhorn worn for mainly for decorative purposes as a part of Highland dress in the 19th century:







Quite often these fancy type horns were used as snuff-mulls or even converted to serve as whisky-flasks, rather than for storing gunpowder.

This powder horn with silver mounts is of the 81st Highland Regiment of Foot and dates from 1778-83. The powder-horn for officer's fusil, has silver mounts, a telescopic filler, and is marked on base "81st Regiment", with a crowned thistle and laurels. This regiment was raised in Aberdeenshire and was one of many regiments recruited through the influence of a local landowner. In return, the landowner could appoint the officers from among his family or friends.

[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]

Here are some other interesting Scottish powder horns from the National Museum of Scotland:


This powder horn is supposed to have been owned by Rob Roy MacGregor


Powder-horn of James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, bearing his coat of arms engraved on the silver base.


Powder horn carried by a Scottish soldier in North America during the Revolutionary War.


Powder horn, said to have belonged to Sir George MacKenzie of Tarbet

[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 !