Bug protection for horns

[ridjrunr]

To all the horn smiths out there,what is, from your experiences, the best protection for powder horns? I know this has been discussed at length on other forums but I,d like to ask it here. So what do you use? Tung oil,blo,paste wax? Thank you for any help.

Ridjrunr

[ridjrunr]

Anybody?

[cb]

1) Always keep powder in it - they don't like the sulphur, etc. - This was waht I was taught by the old timers who I learned form back in the early 1960's. Keeping powder in it will also help tyrn a white horn yellow although in period horns could be yellowish direct from the maker due to using iron salts or Aqua Fortis to finish with

2) For the outside I use real boiled traditional linseed oil varnish - I make my own but you can get a commercial version from Tried and True Oil Finishes - the linseed oil off gasses anti-fungal/antimicrobial properties.

FWIW - I've got an original horn with the dates 1791 and 1825 on it that has very little bug damage and according to the folks I got it from it always had powder kept in it at least as far back as the late 1800's. I've also got a small horn I made in 1972 or 1973 and always kept powder in it and even after being stored in a bad area for bugs for several years there is no sign of bugs - it was stored with a couple of raw horns that show some severe bug damage so I know he bugs were bad.

[ridjrunr]

Thank you cb, thats the kind of info i am looking for.

[HORNER75]

Tight fitted stopper and well sealed base plug and give the outside annual coats of Johnson's Paste Wax. __ Has always worked for me over 35 plus years of making horns. __  I don't like to leave powder stored in my horns at home, as I have to many grand kid's that get curious at the wrong times!

Rick

[RobD]

i second keeping powder in the horn, well pegged spout(s), johnson's carnuba car wax.