Blown Glass Powder Horns

A Texian Trade'n Post exclusive!!

Image	Item #	Name	Description	Price USD
	PH01	Green Glass Powder Horn	9 1/2 in. long*	$49.50 ea.
	PH02	Amber Glass Powder Horn	9 1/2 in. long*	$49.50 ea.
	PH03	Blue Glass Powder Horn	9 1/2 in. long*	$49.50 ea.
	PH04	Clear Glass Powder Horn	9 1/2 in. long*	$49.50 ea.

(Click on photos above to enlarge)

Shipping charges also apply.  Texas Residents must add 8.25% Sales Tax.   See our Ordering Page for more info.  

* Each powder horn is hand blown and sizes may vary slightly.

Product Information -

For most of my life, I have been aware of a Texas Historical Blown Glass Powder Horn, that, to the best of my knowledge, has never been reported in any publication.

In the mid to late 1830's, a group of Native American Indians were making some raids in the Central Texas area, particularly south of Austin.  Some "Rangers", who were protecting the area settlers, picked up their trail, and began pursuing them.  The Indians finally stopped at a waterhole, and one of the "Rangers" managed to get close enough to shoot one of the raiders with his rifle.  This occurred south of La Grange Texas.

A quantity of fine equipment was recovered from this Indian, including a .50cal. percussion, full stocked, Hawkin Rifle, an amber colored blown glass powder horn, an English made knife/pistol, and a fine, large, double edged bone handled English dirk with beaded sheath, a blue beaded cap-pouch, and a dark blue and red woven sash with small white glass beads and a feather headress.  Some folks believed the Indians were Comanche, but may have also been Kiowa.  This particular Indian was believed to have been a Chief, or at least a Sub-Chief.

All of these artifacts were eventually purchased by my cousin in the late 1930's from the grandson of the Ranger that had killed him.  Over the years, I was able to view them a number of times.

It was never established how this Native American came to have a blown glass powder horn here in Texas.  The horn shows  "frosting and wear" on both sides, apparently having been carried both right handed and left handed, rubbing against gritty buckskins for a long time.  From the amount of wear, it is possible the horn dates from 1750..  Possibly, it was a gift from some early trader, or it was taken from an unlucky trapper.  Possibly the Hawken Rifle and powder horn were taken from some wealthy early settler.  The answer will never be known.

*note...   A customer from Parma Ohio has directed me to another reference of blown glass powder horns.  In "Sketch Book 56, Vol. VI, Indian Allies", pp.14, by Ted Spring.  He mentions that by 1756, the French and Indian War Period, French Traders were trading glass powder horns to Indian Allies of the French.  Mr. Spring also mentions that "Finger Woven" cloth powder horn straps were being used.  It is quite possible that French Traders were responsible for trading glass powder horns to the Texas Indians also.

A popular legend has it, that Hand Blown Glass Powder Horns were strictly a "Gentleman's" accessory.  They proved to be a handy and popular way of transporting the "Gents" favorite beverage (Tea or Lemonade??) as he sojourned across the countryside.  In some rare cases, the "Gentleman" may even have carried some gun powder in it.

Some years ago, with the owner's permission, I personally photographed the amber glass powder horn, which has always been in a private collection.  For several years, I have been attempting to locate a glass-blower with the skills to re-produce this horn to the same specifications as the original artifact.  Now at last, I am able to have this unique item re-produced in limited quantities.

The Powder Horns are available in green glass, amber (beer bottle color) glass, blue, and clear glass.  A few other colors are also available (Ex: blue) ON SPECIAL ORDERS ONLY.  Expect a 10 to 12 week delay.

This replica should find a place in re-enactments, from the 1812 era to the 1830's era here in Texas and elsewhere. 

When ordering, be sure to specify the color.

WARNING:  Hand Blown Glass will break if placed in a dishwasher or if  filled with HOT liquid.

 

 

Since the original writing of this article, some additional references have been located as follows...

"Keep Your Powder Dry" ... In a Glass Powder Horn ? By Cecil Munsey, Published in: Bottles and Extras Magazine, Spring 2005.  See Google

"Pittsburg Area Glass Powderhorns", by Eller, Dr. E.R.
Pub., The Glass Club Bulletin, No. 40, June 1956

"Powder Horns of the French & Indian War 1755-1763", by Guthman, William.   Pub., Antiques Magazine, August 1978

"Powder Horns of Glass", by Murshcell, Dale
Publ., Whimsical Notions, Vol. 13, No. 2, May 2001

 

 - Malcom L. Johnson

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