A powder flask ... incomplete

fernando · 7th April 2016, 04:59 PM

Some friend has just presented me with this incomplete powder flask.
I take it that is rather old, judging for the thickness of its copper material, motif, patina and all.
With over 180 grams weight (for a 15 m/m lehgth), the relief of the decoration has no effect in the internal side ... if i make myself understood; i wouldn't know the name of this technique.
With the same hunting scene in both sides, it is obvious non military.
I realize i could never find a complete spout set to suit this piece ... patina and all.
Any of you guys may estimate the age of this powder flask ... or am i wrong about its antiquity ?

.

kahnjar1 · 7th April 2016, 08:22 PM

Well Fernando, based on the garb of the hunter only, I would say early 19th c for date. I would suspect that it could be found in Riling's Powder Flask book. Sadly I do not have a copy of this.
Re the spout. I feel sure that you could find one easily as there are often top and spout assemblies in auctions.....certainly here in NZ. The only challenge MIGHT be to find one of the right size to fit.
Stu

fernando · 7th April 2016, 10:26 PM

Thank you for your impressions, Stu

Shakethetrees · 7th April 2016, 11:56 PM

Fernando, it should be relatively easy to fix this flask.

I think it's English, a product of either Dixon, Sykes, or possibly Hawksley, and most of them were fairly standardized as far as size.

I've seen loose tops on various internet auction sites, but don't be in a hurry. They do turn up from time to time.

Just get a fairly accurate measurement of the ID of the opening. Once you have a match it shouldn't be too difficult to fix.

fernando · 8th April 2016, 06:16 PM

Thanks for the hint.
In measuring its mouth exterior i have an approximate 35 m/m which, in anglo terms, gives a 1 3/8 ". I don't think this measure would be an obstacle.
But i am not desperate for a flask top, so to say. If i were to acquire one, it would have to be an old thing; a shining one wouldn't fit. I don't want this flask to be operational (i am not a shooter) but aestethically complete.
I am more focused in finding its provenance ... and age; among a zillion flasks i see out there, i see none with such a thick metal; all are made of thin copper with all the embossing revealing from the inside ... i bet. If anyone here has a 'standard' copper powder flask may compare the weight.

Shakethetrees · 9th April 2016, 12:11 AM

Most mid 19th century embossed flasks were in fact made of brass that was copper plated. It held up better to hard use.

I have a copy of Riling's flask book somewhere. If I can locate it I'll check for it.

As far as patina. You have a pretty good chance locating a damaged or crushed one that you can salvage the top from.

That's where I would start. Also, I would recommend if you get an opportunity to pick and choose, go for one that's complete. Why not put it right in working order?

fernando · 9th April 2016, 11:28 AM

All points noted. Much obliged.

7th April 2016, 04:59 PM	#1
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	A powder flask ... incomplete Some friend has just presented me with this incomplete powder flask. I take it that is rather old, judging for the thickness of its copper material, motif, patina and all. With over 180 grams weight (for a 15 m/m lehgth), the relief of the decoration has no effect in the internal side ... if i make myself understood; i wouldn't know the name of this technique. With the same hunting scene in both sides, it is obvious non military. I realize i could never find a complete spout set to suit this piece ... patina and all. Any of you guys may estimate the age of this powder flask ... or am i wrong about its antiquity ? . Attached Images

7th April 2016, 11:56 PM	#4
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Fernando, it should be relatively easy to fix this flask. I think it's English, a product of either Dixon, Sykes, or possibly Hawksley, and most of them were fairly standardized as far as size. I've seen loose tops on various internet auction sites, but don't be in a hurry. They do turn up from time to time. Just get a fairly accurate measurement of the ID of the opening. Once you have a match it shouldn't be too difficult to fix. Last edited by Shakethetrees; 8th April 2016 at 02:53 AM.

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7th April 2016, 08:22 PM	#2
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,786	Well Fernando, based on the garb of the hunter only, I would say early 19th c for date. I would suspect that it could be found in Riling's Powder Flask book. Sadly I do not have a copy of this. Re the spout. I feel sure that you could find one easily as there are often top and spout assemblies in auctions.....certainly here in NZ. The only challenge MIGHT be to find one of the right size to fit. Stu

7th April 2016, 10:26 PM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Thank you for your impressions, Stu

8th April 2016, 06:16 PM	#5
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Thanks for the hint. In measuring its mouth exterior i have an approximate 35 m/m which, in anglo terms, gives a 1 3/8 ". I don't think this measure would be an obstacle. But i am not desperate for a flask top, so to say. If i were to acquire one, it would have to be an old thing; a shining one wouldn't fit. I don't want this flask to be operational (i am not a shooter) but aestethically complete. I am more focused in finding its provenance ... and age; among a zillion flasks i see out there, i see none with such a thick metal; all are made of thin copper with all the embossing revealing from the inside ... i bet. If anyone here has a 'standard' copper powder flask may compare the weight.

9th April 2016, 12:11 AM	#6
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Most mid 19th century embossed flasks were in fact made of brass that was copper plated. It held up better to hard use. I have a copy of Riling's flask book somewhere. If I can locate it I'll check for it. As far as patina. You have a pretty good chance locating a damaged or crushed one that you can salvage the top from. That's where I would start. Also, I would recommend if you get an opportunity to pick and choose, go for one that's complete. Why not put it right in working order?

9th April 2016, 11:28 AM	#7
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	All points noted. Much obliged.