2 Afghani Gourd Flasks for Comment
 

Variously described as Primer Flasks or Tobacco/Snuff flasks, these 2 are approx. 6" tall and in really good condition with stoppers and chains in place. Probably not that old, but very nice IMHO.
Comments welcome.

Hi Stu,

They are extremely nice and I couldn't resist too!!

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...+Powder+flaSKS

They are TurkmenTobacco-Snuff Box also known as a Nas Kedi (Naskady) brought back from Afghanistan.

I think yours are old (end of 19th or very early 20th c.) just because the chains for the stoppers are of a very good quality that you can find only in old examples.

Best
Kubur

Hello Stu,

I have had once a twin from your first example. Could it be that something is missing in down from your piece? By my one was attached a turquoise stone in the frame I see by your piece as well.

Best regards,
Detlef

Hi Stu.

Yes, those are really nice looking.

Hi Kubur: Thanks for the identification and purpose of these little flasks. I've often wondered.

Rick

Hi Detlef,
There is also a similar flask shown on Page 252 of Tirri's book. I had assumed that the base was there so that the flask was able to stand upright. On further inspection it looks as if something (a stone of some sort?), could have been there at some stage.
If, as has been suggested, these are for Snuff, then it would make sense to be able to stand them upright. The second one above however does not have a base, and there is no sign of there having been one.
Gun powder or Snuff.....either way it is a powder flask.
:)
Stu

Hi Stu,

it was only a suggestion since this powder flask look so similar like the one I've had once. A turquoise stone of the correct size will be easy supplemented.

Best regards,
Detlef

Hi Detlef,
Yes, thank you for the idea. I will see if I can find something suitable. As I said, I thought the base "ring" was there so that the flask would stand up, but a nice turquoise stone would look great I think!
Stu

Hi Kubur,
Yes it would appear that they are definitely Snuff/Tobacco flasks. I just Googled NAS KEDI. and there are many shown.
Thanks for the clarification.
Stu