The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of June 7, 2026

A dark brown antler primer is decorated with cream-colored figures in high relief. Two men in plumed hats and long coats ride horses to the left, while a slender dog runs through tall grass below. Behind them, trees and a fence are carved into the background. Shaped like a branched tine, the object has a knobby, textured base and two smooth circular openings at the top.

Primer

1700s

Italy, 18th century

carved horn
Overall: 11.5 x 9.6 cm (4 1/2 x 3 3/4 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.62
Location: 210A Armor Court

Did You Know?

This hunting accessory was carved out of horn.

Description

A priming flask is used to hold and pour fine gun powder into the priming pan of a gun. Scenes of hunting were a favorite decoration on these accessories.
  • Frank Gair Macomber, Boston, #329.
  • Gilchrist, Helen Ives. A Catalogue of the Collection of Arms & Armor Presented to the Cleveland Museum of Art by Mr. and Mrs. John Long Severance; 1916-1923. Cleveland: Cleveland Museum of Art, 1924. Mention: p. 160, F54; Reproduced: Plate XXXVI, F54 archive.org
  • {{cite web|title=Primer|url=false|author=|year=1700s|access-date=07 June 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.62