Hi Stu.
That's a nice looking little flask. The engravings are generic enough that I can't really guess it's origin. But somewhere in North Africa seems correct. Looks like there was a reasonable amount of work put into it. If there is evidence of black powder, it was at least used to carry same at some point. The cap design, with it's short barrel section does not seem designed to keep powder dry from moisture or the elements. Although it could have had a thin leather gasket on the cap at some time (?). I don't think this paticular flask was designed to carry powder specifically. But, as noted, was in this case.
What we consider a larger than normal opening on some of these Eastern powder containers has always been somewhat of a mystery to me. It would be less convienient to use while priming the pan of a flintlock. The most noteable powder containers with larger openings are the Moroccan powder horns. Every one I've seen has a larger opening than their European and North American equal. Actually, most of the Eastern flasks I've seen - that were designed to carry powder - all seem to have medium to normal size openings, with notable Moroccan exceptions such as the horns and beehive flasks.
Here is a small, Moroccan priming flask with a brass plug that is serrated to keep it snug in the neck/spout. Won't fall out. Also, a plug from a medium size Persian flask, with a wider opening, but with a long plug length that is leather wrapped. Both of these were designed to carry powder.
Rick
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