How a "French Dandy" Inspired Ginny

by
posted on May 22, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
powder-horn.jpg
Black Powder shooters often make their own equipment, including powder horns. Not one to blow her own horn, the author showcases the work of Ginny Van Meter, an accomplished artisan in this unique trade.

null
Ginny Van Meter.
Perhaps some background is needed here to fully appreciate the story of Ginny’s transition from novice to talented hornmaker. Ginny is a graphic artist by training and ran a small custom appliqué shop for college students. Although her interests have now expanded into muzzleloading, what first attracted her was not powder horns, but a request from her husband approximately 15 years ago to make him a long rifle. They had attended a few Contemporary Longrifle Association (CLA) shows and even purchased a rifle kit. Eventually, Van Meter took notice of all the different types of powder horns.

“I thought I could start with something small to make before I did the long rifle and, although I didn’t know the first thing about working with horn, I bought a few and started trying to make them into something that would hold powder. I proudly showed one to a friend and re-enactor. He studied the horn, looked at me and said, ‘It’s a nice horn for a French Dandy!’”

null
Some of Ginny Van Meter's excellent work.
For those of you who don’t know Ginny, “quit” is a totally foreign term to her. This one observation did not make her consider giving up on hornwork, but just the opposite—it inspired her. She began reading and studying about horns of the 18th century and, in 2007, took Art DeCamp’s class on Tansel horns. In 2008, Ginny attended the Honourable Company of Horners (HCH) Annual Conference, which made quite an impression on her. Since then she has taken another of Art’s classes on screw-tip horns and, as you can see in the accompanying photos, her work is excellent!

Her favorite style of powder horn is the Tansel. Living in Scott County, KY, not too far from the Francis Tansel homestead, is the main motivation for the interest and desire to work in this “style.” In addition to being a member of the HCH, she is also a member of the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association, the CLA and the NRA. For more information on the HCH, see www.hornguild.org.

Latest

Flashbolt Laserammo 3
Flashbolt Laserammo 3

New: Laser Ammo Flash Bolt For AR Dry-Fire Training

Laser Ammo’s new Flash Bolt turns your AR into a dry-fire practice powerhouse.

Bunker Club Fuels 22 Junior Athletes With 2025 Grants

Bunker Club awards 22 junior shooting athletes $6,363 each to support their competitive journey in 2025.

4 Illinois Rifle Teams Set Sights On 2025 NRA F-Class Nationals

Four Illinois rifle teams set their sights on the 2025 NRA F-Class Nationals, ready to compete in Mid-Range and Long-Range events.

USPSA: Celebrating Growth, Fueling The Future

USPSA celebrates surpassing 40,000 members, with growing participation signaling a dynamic new chapter for the practical competition shooting community.

Competitors’ Corner: July 2025

Highlights from the July 2025 issue of Shooting Sports USA, the NRA’s competitive shooting journal.

All About The 2025 USA High School Clay Target League National Championship

The USA High School Clay Target League National Championship draws top shooters nationwide, showcasing skill, safety and sportsmanship.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.