When selecting a powder horn

[Smokey]

I have learned that a good horn should be made of horn. It should be air tight. It should hold enough powder for your needs. There should be a way to attach a strap. Is there anything else? 

What traits does a quality (well made) horn possess?  What do YOU look for when you're selecting your next horn?

[Ohio Joe]

I have learned that a good horn should be made of horn. It should be air tight. It should hold enough powder for your needs. There should be a way to attach a strap. Is there anything else? 

What traits does a quality (well made) horn possess?  What do YOU look for when you're selecting your next horn?

All very true!!! It should also feel comfortable when using it and not cumbersome, and feel comfortable the way it hangs over your shoulder. 

[ridjrunr]

A good spout with correct or at least comfortable spout hole for pouring into your measure. Also a good fitting spout plug that wont fall out

[rollingb]

When choosing a powder horn, right-hand-carry and left-hand-carry should also be taken into consideration.

A proper carrying powder horn should have a bit of "curve" or "twist" in it to follow the curvature of your rib cage (at least that's what some of the experts say).   

[Bigsmoke]

I agree with all the above remarks about the fit and function of the horn.  And I will add one more thing to consider. 
It has to look good as well.  And I am not necessarily talking about a horn that possesses any fancy engrailing, rings and grooves, intricate lathe work on the base plug, etc.  I am talking about the overall appearance of the horn, whether it has nice graceful curves, a pleasing taper from back to front, the natural coloration of the horn and so forth.  Let's face it, you will only be actually using the horn for maybe 1 or 2 % of the time you own it, the rest of the time it will be hung up on a wall or something.  So the horn should make you smile every time you happen to glance at it.

[Smokey]

 
It has to look good as well. 

Agreed. Do the looks effect the price of a basic undecorated horn?

[Bigsmoke]

I don't think the looks would effect the price of the horn.  The name of the maker probably would, though.
I would suggest you talk to Gerry at Powder Horns and More back in New York.  You can Google the contact info.  I think you would be well satisfied with anything you got from him.

John (Bigsmoke)

[Smokey]

I don't think the looks would effect the price of the horn.  The name of the maker probably would, though.

That makes sense, John. I guess at some point, market forces are the controlling factor. Name of the maker. Volume of sales. Cost and availability of source materials.