18TH C. BRITISH ARTILLERY PRIMING HORN BRANDED WITH

Cow’s horn body closed by a turned oak, butt plug or base with threaded, oak stopper in the shape of a handle, for replenishing gunpowder supply. The tip of the horn fitted with a conical charger formed of sheet-brass, with a cast-brass lever and steel spring and two forged-iron suspension loops. 16-1/2" L overall (not including 2-3/4" stopper) x 3-3/8" diameter at plug. An artillery priming horn of the type produced under contract with the Board of Ordnance with almost no change in form from circa 1740-1840. This horn is branded twice on the body and once on the wooden plug with the "Broad Arrow" mark, denoting Crown ownership. After 1820, this brand was replaced with a broad arrow/BO of the Board of Ordnance, so this horn is clearly an 18th century or very early 19th-century example. The more careful workmanship, especially with regard to the turning of the plug and its stopper, and the forged vs. cast-iron loops, suggest an earlier rather than later date within this timeframe. These horns were used as priming horns for cannon by Royal Navy and Royal Artillery and the size of this horn would indicate use with a large piece of ordnance, such as a 24-, 36- or 42-pound cannon. CONDITION: In very good condition and original finish with good patina; there is a 2-1/2" long crack emanating inwards from one of the iron pins fixing the wooden plug base to the horn. JLK