An arquebusiers powder flask of about 1540's

Marcus den toom · 25th June 2014, 08:25 AM

The belt hook design on my flask is the most recent oen so i consent to a date of 1550s until we find an even earlier flask or patron with the same design.

You will be happy to hear that last night i had enough courage to attempt to open the flask. The screws on the bottom where easily removed and i made a ton of pictures. I attached a few of them here, as well as my finger... blackish after swiping the inner surface of the flask

The bottom has as a wooden base plug, and the transversal screw is rustic but very much there in one piece. I am excited.

ps, this is not just a conversation between Michl and me, don't be afraid to join in.

Matchlock · 29th June 2014, 02:15 PM

Hi Marcus,

Whatever that darker substance on your finger may be - it does NOT look like black powder.
As soon as I can I will reopen one of the very few! of my 30+ flasks I remember actually containing remains of that special kind of finest ungrained black powder used 700 to 400 years ago - this still being the only proof of actual usage of any flask (apart from wondering whenever that may have been)!, and post an image of MY finger ...

Best,
Michl

25th June 2014, 08:25 AM	#1
Marcus den toom Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Netherlands Posts: 535	Blackish stuff The belt hook design on my flask is the most recent oen so i consent to a date of 1550s until we find an even earlier flask or patron with the same design. You will be happy to hear that last night i had enough courage to attempt to open the flask. The screws on the bottom where easily removed and i made a ton of pictures. I attached a few of them here, as well as my finger... blackish after swiping the inner surface of the flask The bottom has as a wooden base plug, and the transversal screw is rustic but very much there in one piece. I am excited. ps, this is not just a conversation between Michl and me, don't be afraid to join in.

29th June 2014, 02:15 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Marcus, Whatever that darker substance on your finger may be - it does NOT look like black powder. As soon as I can I will reopen one of the very few! of my 30+ flasks I remember actually containing remains of that special kind of finest ungrained black powder used 700 to 400 years ago - this still being the only proof of actual usage of any flask (apart from wondering whenever that may have been)!, and post an image of MY finger ... Best, Michl Last edited by Matchlock; 29th June 2014 at 02:30 PM.