Original Large French Gunner’s Powder Horn, Naval – French, late 18th century. Of large size used to load cannons aboard ship.
With fitted wooden plug and brass dispensing spout.
The French Naval Gunner’s Powder Horn was used for priming cannons with finely ground gunpowder. Representing a quintessential example of its kind, this horn features a body crafted from a cow’s horn, sealed with a wooden plug at the wider end. A central screw plug, removable for powder replenishment, is situated within the wooden plug.
At the narrower end, a 3″ brass spout equipped with a spring-loaded catch ensures the secure containment of the powder. Two brass hanging rings on the horn provide attachment points for a shoulder cord. This specific design was employed by the French Navy during the late 1700s and featured prominently in naval conflicts against the British, including the Battle of the Nile in 1798, Copenhagen in 1801, and Trafalgar in 1805. In good condition for its age – Some worm holes and signs of age and use.
