AHorsa

Hi there,

I just got those two object. Can anyone date the powder horn? I think it should be 16th to 17th century?!

It came with this 35cm long "ramrod" but actually I really doubt it is a ramrod. It is made from iron. The tip in form of a stylized lion is made from brass.

Would be great if someone can identify those pieces.

Best regards
Andreas

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kahnjar1

Hi Andreas,
Just a suggestion about the "ramrod"......could it be a spike for clearing the touch hole of a cannon?
Stu

adrian

That spike/rod is too large in diameter to enter the vent of an artillery piece.

AHorsa

Thanks for the comments! Anyone else an idea about this piece?

BAW

The shape of the unknown object is very similar to a butchers' steel for sharpening knives.

AHorsa

I think for a butcher´s steel the lion (which tahn would be the hilt) is too small. Also the shape of the lion´s "noise" wouldn´t make sens then, as it semms to be supposed to push something.

fernando

Why descarding the ramrod possibility, guys ?
In some cultures the ramrod is a separate device, often intrincate and highly decorated. You take the Turkish "Suma", for one (Stone page 587).
Say Andreas, which is the thickness of that rod you are showing us?

.

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AHorsa

Hi Fernando,

thanks for the input. The thikness of the iron part is max. 1,3cm, the lion is max. 1,5cm

Cheers
Andreas

rickystl

Hi Andreas

The flask looks to be a late 16th to early 17th Century staghorn type poeder flask. Although the metal parts are missing and the engraving seems a bit crude. Possibly done by an amature/hobbist on their first attempt. Here is a Forum Link from about 8 years ago that will give you a better idea of it's origins with comment from Matchlock. I was very fortunate to receive his comments.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14271

The length of that rod would be about correct for many pistols. So it could be a Suma as Fernando mentions - with a spike end to double as a stabbing point in a back-up situation. Just my guess.

Rick

AHorsa

Hi Rick,

thanks for the link to the very interesting thread. Great to see the variety of examples of this staghorn flasks. Well, the artist of my one wasn´t the gifted one. That poor chap also has a broken sword

I am still not sure about the "ramrod". Suma might be a possibility, but browsing the web I don´t have the feeling that it is one. But it is absolutely not my field...

Best regards
Andreas

Richard G

Could it be something as mundane as a hefty meat skewer?
Regards
Richard

fernando

Tell me the place where they serve meat with these skewers, so that i can take out one hidden under my jacket .

fernando

The Suma approach was only a manner to expand on the (any) ram rod possibility.

Richard G

These?

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