Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fine original example in absolutely pristine condition. British Naval Gunner’s Powder Horn used to prime the cannons with very fine gunpowder. Marked on the horn are correct W.D. (War Department) and broad arrow markings.
The War Department was formed in 1794 and along with the “Board of Ordnance established many years before, remained in effect until 1855 when the “board” was dismissed due to accusations of great inefficiency during the Crimean War. The entire military acquisitions department then became known as “The War Office”.
This horn is a classic of its type, the body is comprised of a 12″ cow’s horn fitted with a wooden plug to the wide end, in the center of which is a screw plug that is removed for refilling the powder.
At the thin end there is a 3″ brass spout with spring loaded catch to keep the powder secure. On the horn itself there are two brass hanging rings for a leather shoulder cord along with the markings.
This pattern was used by the British Navy starting in 1794 and in all the naval engagements with the French such the Battle of the Nile in 1798, Copenhagen in 1801 and Trafalgar in 1805.