Found This Flask in an Antique/Junk Shop

[Rudyard]

The horn having the ' wraparound spring' to the cut off shutter dates it 18th early 19thc & ide agree more for pistol . But then as now if 'out for a shot' locally a smaller flask would be quite sufficient . As a guide the greater the volume the charger throws the earlier it may be since prior to the improuvments in powder quality by Major William Congrieve more powder was often required and the epprouvets had their golden age of usefulness . His improuvments ( top of my head) are about 1780 . Ile try post examples of earlier flasks ..
Rudyard

 

[Feltwad]

I have several of these flasks with the wrap around spring which I I find to be more continental some are of horn some of leather and one that I own is much like shark skin . I would say horn was the most used with different shot and powder turn offs
Feltwad

 

[Rudyard]

Botche? Continental flasks of lanthorn but not 18 or early 19th wraparound tops .I like the green cord .St Barbara being the patron saint of gunners, Who seemingly had green colour preferences. If I send you pics of some early pear shape ' wraparound spring 'tops would you run them ?.I'me still battleing with these E gajets .
Regards Rudyard

 

[Feltwad]

Cannot find the flasks you mention but have enclosed images of two which I have
Feltwad

 

[GREENSWLDE]

The Mention of the Chillingham Purdey's.There appear to have been 29 made in Birmingham. I have Photos of No.16 which is owned by a Gunmaker friend..

 

[Capnball]

Flasks often bring oddly low prices. I have a few and this one struck me as one of the more elegant high end ones. Shipping was twice the $10 the flask cost.

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Wow, very nice! Ida jumped all over that.

 

[toot]

The window was on both sides of the flask and were made of horn and if held up to the light could be seen through which then indicated how much powder was left in the flask These flasks came from a estate in Northumberland UK called Chillingham Castle , They were made approximately 1800,s for the estates militia with the threat of invasion by Napoleon each gun had its own powder flask the one in the image was number 26, The first guns were supposed to be Fergusons breech loaders which later were exchanged for muskets by Purdy' but made in Birmingham also some flasks were horn . Then it was common for large estates to have a militia but the smaller ones the local gun makers supplied the guns etc
Feltwad

thank you for the explanation!

 

[toot]

Just recently my friend and I bought guns from an estate, included was a couple of flasks. One marked Am Flask & cap. But when Feltwad mentioned the horn flask that made me reach for my camera. I put a dollar next to it for you to judge the size of it. After reading this thread I was surprised that original flasks aren't worth more.

it is a nice day horn.

 

[Feltwad]

Another display of mixed shot and powder flask .Some are curved , some continental, also the Irish pancake shot flasks others with different designs and coat of arms .
Feltwad

 

[vintovka]

With the number of original leather flasks about i find it strange they actually make reproductions. Guess its period correct and many old flasks are flat worn out or have lost the attaching rings. I have seen horn bodied shot flasks but like hunting with a large and very noisy maraca. Did anyone mention the "snake" type yet? BTW i once visited a museum with an old gunshop display. It had an ornate oak and glass shot dispenser on the counter with 4-5 compartments for different sized shot. You brought in your flask, removed top, used a funnel and released the desired size and amount into it. Shop owner would weigh it and charge by the pound.

 

[vintovka]

Oops forgot pic"


https://www.gunsamerica.com/966914048/Antique-Hardware-Store-Shot-Dispense.htm

 

[Rudyard]

Dear Feltwad . The two you illustrate are late or early 19th my guess, the elongated one appears to be boiled leather .I have one as ile send pics to you . Great collection . Major Congrieve's work on the upgradeing of powder quality was more 1790s going by Georges ' English guns & rifles '. Close but no cigar . Reproductions are nessesary to preserve originals like any item there are good repro's & some awfull ones but they all serve to preserve originals . that said I'me old school I've used some old flasks for 50 years still fine Pics to follow .
Regards Rudyard

 

[GREENSWLDE]

Among others , Feltwad I have a common topped bronzed powder flask with woodcock in foliage and trees 21/4 to3drm. No maker's name (do you know who made it) and a very well used Mike Marsh rifle flash (better than the origonals)+ 3 small pistol bag shaped. One Fluted (appears unused) with "Cecil Brent" scratched around the neck-1/8th, 2/8th 3/8th throw.. Will try and mail some pickies.. OLD DOG..

 

[LawrenceA]

Here is a coupla Rudyards and a couple of mine.
Got one laying around made from a camel scrotum
.

 

[toot]

Another display of mixed shot and powder flask .Some are curved , some continental, also the Irish pancake shot flasks others with different designs and coat of arms .
FeltwadView attachment 77046

they are just fantastic, how long di/d it take you to amass that collection?

 

[toot]

Here is a coupla Rudyards and a couple of mine.
Got one laying around made from a camel scrotum
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my GOD there is / are so many!!!

 

[Feltwad]

my GOD there is / are so many!!!

A long time Toot how long I cannot say but several decades , some have been family heirlooms belonging to my father and grandfather and go back to the late 1800s and maybe longer
Feltwad

 

[Rudyard]

Here is a coupla Rudyards and a couple of mine.
Got one laying around made from a camel scrotum
.View attachment 77166View attachment 77167

Thank you Lawrence. I too have one of the ' Scrotum' flasks they are a mystery, The top useually loose but all old no doubt .What the material actually is ?. But Camel seems as good as any .

The rough flask in its harness is so the charger is face down .The better to shield it from detris & wet .The Y shape improvement stops the other wise good Scoop/ Irish ? Charger settling horizontaly . The new Y shape makes it carry charger down and easier to use plus less likely to put a ding in your gun.
Thank you & Regards ' Your bloods worth bottling & labelling lolly water !' ( Considered a compliment in Australia )
Rudyard

 

[Feltwad]

Enclosed are a couple of images of types of shot and powder flask not often seen
Feltwad

Double snake

A rare powder flask throws 9 too 12 drms

 

[vintovka]

Punt gun flask?