Powder horn and unidentified object

rickystl · 16th March 2020, 07:34 AM

Hi Andreas

The flask looks to be a late 16th to early 17th Century staghorn type poeder flask. Although the metal parts are missing and the engraving seems a bit crude. Possibly done by an amature/hobbist on their first attempt. Here is a Forum Link from about 8 years ago that will give you a better idea of it's origins with comment from Matchlock. I was very fortunate to receive his comments.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14271

The length of that rod would be about correct for many pistols. So it could be a Suma as Fernando mentions - with a spike end to double as a stabbing point in a back-up situation. Just my guess.

Rick

AHorsa · 16th March 2020, 11:18 PM

Hi Rick,

thanks for the link to the very interesting thread. Great to see the variety of examples of this staghorn flasks. Well, the artist of my one wasn´t the gifted one. That poor chap also has a broken sword

I am still not sure about the "ramrod". Suma might be a possibility, but browsing the web I don´t have the feeling that it is one. But it is absolutely not my field...

Best regards
Andreas

Richard G · 17th March 2020, 02:31 PM

Could it be something as mundane as a hefty meat skewer?
Regards
Richard

fernando · 17th March 2020, 02:41 PM

Tell me the place where they serve meat with these skewers, so that i can take out one hidden under my jacket

.

fernando · 17th March 2020, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHorsa

... Suma might be a possibility, but browsing the web I don´t have the feeling that it is one...

The Suma approach was only a manner to expand on the (any) ram rod possibility.

Richard G · 18th March 2020, 11:16 AM

These?

fernando · 18th March 2020, 01:02 PM

Now, i am largely convinced, Richard

.

AHorsa · 18th May 2023, 10:48 AM

I´d like to push up this thread again, as this rod is still a mistery to me. Maybe meanwhile someone has an idea what it could have been.
I am convinced, that the brass animal part was to mush something, as its "nose" seem. Any ideas appreciated.

Kind regards
Andreas

Raf · 18th May 2023, 02:32 PM

[QUOTE
I am convinced, that the brass animal part was to mush something, as its "nose" seem. Any ideas appreciated.

Surprised no one has mentioned marlin spike. Sailors general purpose tool for rope work and extemporary weapon. I agree that the bronze end looks like it was intended to mush something. Like compacting serpentine powder in a cannon flash pan. Essential to stop it blowing away but this is just a guess. Either way it has an early feel to it.

BBJW · 18th May 2023, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickystl

Hi Andreas

The flask looks to be a late 16th to early 17th Century staghorn type poeder flask. Although the metal parts are missing and the engraving seems a bit crude. Possibly done by an amature/hobbist on their first attempt. Here is a Forum Link from about 8 years ago that will give you a better idea of it's origins with comment from Matchlock. I was very fortunate to receive his comments.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14271

The length of that rod would be about correct for many pistols. So it could be a Suma as Fernando mentions - with a spike end to double as a stabbing point in a back-up situation. Just my guess.

Rick

Agreed.--bbjw

18th March 2020, 11:16 AM	#6
Richard G Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 409	These? Attached Images

18th May 2023, 10:48 AM	#8
AHorsa Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Rhineland Posts: 375	I´d like to push up this thread again, as this rod is still a mistery to me. Maybe meanwhile someone has an idea what it could have been. I am convinced, that the brass animal part was to mush something, as its "nose" seem. Any ideas appreciated. Kind regards Andreas Attached Images

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16th March 2020, 07:34 AM	#1
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	Hi Andreas The flask looks to be a late 16th to early 17th Century staghorn type poeder flask. Although the metal parts are missing and the engraving seems a bit crude. Possibly done by an amature/hobbist on their first attempt. Here is a Forum Link from about 8 years ago that will give you a better idea of it's origins with comment from Matchlock. I was very fortunate to receive his comments. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14271 The length of that rod would be about correct for many pistols. So it could be a Suma as Fernando mentions - with a spike end to double as a stabbing point in a back-up situation. Just my guess. Rick

16th March 2020, 11:18 PM	#2
AHorsa Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Rhineland Posts: 375	Hi Rick, thanks for the link to the very interesting thread. Great to see the variety of examples of this staghorn flasks. Well, the artist of my one wasn´t the gifted one. That poor chap also has a broken sword I am still not sure about the "ramrod". Suma might be a possibility, but browsing the web I don´t have the feeling that it is one. But it is absolutely not my field... Best regards Andreas

17th March 2020, 02:31 PM	#3
Richard G Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 409	Could it be something as mundane as a hefty meat skewer? Regards Richard

17th March 2020, 02:41 PM	#4
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Tell me the place where they serve meat with these skewers, so that i can take out one hidden under my jacket .

18th March 2020, 01:02 PM	#7
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Now, i am largely convinced, Richard .

18th May 2023, 02:32 PM	#9
Raf Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 252	[QUOTE I am convinced, that the brass animal part was to mush something, as its "nose" seem. Any ideas appreciated. Surprised no one has mentioned marlin spike. Sailors general purpose tool for rope work and extemporary weapon. I agree that the bronze end looks like it was intended to mush something. Like compacting serpentine powder in a cannon flash pan. Essential to stop it blowing away but this is just a guess. Either way it has an early feel to it.