This is the powder horn carried by musketeers throughout northern Europe from the late 16th century to the beginning of the 30 Years War, which kicked off in 1620. There are many similar examples in Graz: in the book, 'Landeszeughaus - Graz, Austria' by Robert Brooker on the wheellocks in its collection, this type is attributed to Germany.
It is made of bleached ox horn with the designs partially carved and partially burned in. The mounts are iron and would all appear to be original, having a regular patination throughout. The charge would represent that necessary for a musket of the period. It is the first instance in regular issue format of a flask with a cut-off (enabling the user to measure the charge exactly) between the base of the nozzle and the tip, providing also a safety measure so that any remaining burning embers in the breech would not ignite the whole flask, merely the poured charge.
The condition is excellent, of museum standard. It measures approximately 10 inches.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Firearms : Accessories : Austrian : 17th Century]
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