Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn

by Scott Sibley

Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn by renowned powder horn makers and scrimshaw artisans Scott and Cathy Sibley demonstrates every detail and secret of recreating an 18th century powder horn. New and experienced horn makers will enjoy this how-to book. Heavily illustrated with step-by-step, close-up, full color photographs and illustrations, these simple steps to take you from start to finish. Also included is a photographic collection of original 18th and 19th century powder horns from the collection of Scott Sibley, and several beautiful antique powder horns, previously unpublished, from the famous collection of Jim Dresslar, author of The Engraved Powder Horn. An ideal instruction book for the novice, Scott Sibley demonstrates the horn making process in step-by-step close-up full color photographs. Learn how to inexpensively setup an ideal workspace, and how to select the few common tools needed for this enjoyable craft of creating American folk art. Every aspect of making powder horns is covered, selecting, fitting, shaping, carving, finishing, and polishing a fine powder horn. Special emphasis is given to French & Indian War era, Revolutionary War era, and Southern stlye horns. Learn to make your own handforged staples, and position them to use any horn for a right or left hand shooter. Special chapters include how to make a turned butt plug, and how to make the fancy French & Indian War style lobed base. Learn Scott's tried and true techniques and secrets, accumulated over more than two decades of horn making. Watch as he colors the horn with stain, and applies an antique patina, causing the horn to resemble a highly collectible original antique powder horn. Superb scrimshaw artist Cathy Sibley demonstrates how to select, create a traditional design, layout your art, and scrimshaw engrave a powder horn

91 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Dan Lutts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eighteen-century powder horns – even the unengraved ones – are works of art. And today a whole subculture exists among the 18th-century re-enactor community and black powder shooters who make their own 18th-century-style powder horns.

If you're interested in making your own authentic 18th-century-style powder horn, Scott and Cathy Sibley's Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn is the source to use. The Sibleys are among the top powder horn makers in the country. The first half their book has easy-to-read instructions with plenty of photos to illustrate what you should do. Each chapter – such as Tool & Materials, How to Choose a Horn, Cutting and Drilling the Tip, Staining the Neck, and Scrimshaw the Horn – holds your hand every step of the way.

The second half of the book has color photos of both original and reproduction engraved powder horns that can give you inspiration for creating your own designs.

For years, Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn has been the go-to reference for budding powder horn makers, and will be for years to come.