European Powder Flasks and Containers
 

Over on Ethnographic we are looking at Powder Flasks and Containers ...I found some interesting artwork relevant to the European angle. Joseph Wright of Derby in 1769 illustrates a plain undecorated form common in English style.

In the item below: Matching pistol and flask, German, probably 1579, both decorated with finely carved antler inlay...Sometimes we forget the pistol where a small powder flask is engaged... in this case the weapon can be carried fully loaded...Clever ! :shrug:

Interesting aspect of firearms which is most pertinent, and truly another dimension of the study of these guns!
It is interesting to see how innovative makers were at making the most necessary aspect of firearms......ammunition and powder....more ready in the moment.

Nice example!

From my collection an allmetal wheellock-pistol made at Regensburg with a Nürnberg barrel dated 1596 togehther with an allmetal powderflask which could be used as screwdriver and key for winding up the wheellock. As the flask is rather small it is to assume that the powder in it was finer than the barrel powder and destined as ignition powder for the pan
corrado26

Magnificent set, corrado. I wouldn't mind having it in my collection ;) :cool: .

A very similar powderflask I found at an auction in the US of 1999.....
corrado26

Hi Corrado.
What a beautiful pistol and flask !!!!! They both look perfect next to one another. :) Seems obvious it was made for personal protection. I note the beautifully chiseled belt hook on the left side of the pistol. Which indicates, at least in this case, the idea of the belt hook is at least from the late 16th Century. I did not know this.
Question: Does the square key hole in the Flask also fit the top screw? If so, that would make it convenient for changing pyrites as needed.
With the pistol loaded and readily available on the belt - the flask, a couple extra paper-wrapped cartridges, and spare pyrites - could all be kept in a small pouch on the belt for easy access to reload. At least that is what comes to mind. LOL
Super neat pistol and flask.
Rick

It is believed that these iron pistols with their big caliber of 20mm were worn by riding messengers. In most cities it was forbidden to carry a wheellock pistol, only the messengers who brought the news and orders of the government from town to town had the permission to wear pistols inside the city walls.

Yes, the hole in the flask fits the screw of the cock too.
corrado26

Very interesting. Thanks. I keep looking at those pics!! LOL
Rick