POWDER FLASKS---A QUESTION OF ORIGIN

[David R]

I believe the caps to the flasks also double as a powder measure.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

It is said that "These camel scrotum powderflasks are very much the Arabian form". It is further said that on being released from the Ark the donkey's and camel's scrotums were mixed up and issued to the wrong animals. In fact the Arabian camel has to be assisted in the mating role by its handlers such is the pathetic size ... so the story goes.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Certainly written evidence suggests a common design and description of such scrotum like powder flasks across the Islamic sphere where Moroccan and Persian examples can be compared favourably. I place a few below to suggest originality in the form from camels scrotums. The item with Islamic/Persian script is particularly fine and can be seen at http://armsandantiques.com/19th-c-pe...er-flask-mf452 in great detail.

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Certainly written evidence suggests a common design and description of such scrotum like powder flasks across the Islamic sphere where Moroccan and Persian examples can be compared favourably. I place a few below to suggest originality in the form from camels scrotums. The item with Islamic/Persian script is particularly fine and can be seen at http://armsandantiques.com/19th-c-pe...er-flask-mf452 in great detail.

Hi Ibrahiim.

Thanks for posting these additional examples. Yes, the one with it's original carrying strap is especially nice, with a great patina.

Rick.

[rickystl]

Here is a Persian example from my collection. This one has evidence of field use. There is a dent on each side, and the left side shows where the dark stain has rubbed off from carrying on the right side of the torso. Even so, the stiching is still together and tight. So I use this one occassionally for loading some of my guns, especially the Persian long gun. As with most of these you find, the stopper was missing. At the time I didn't know what the stoppers were supposed to look like. But it appeared to use a plug versus a cap. So I had one made, copied from the plug on my Moroccan powder horn. Works fine. So this well used one is still in service. LOL. Much fun.

Rick

[rickystl]

Here's another Persian example from my collection. This one is in especially nice condition, and has it's original decorative plug/stopper. What's interesting is how the plug was made. It is a decorative metal pin that is continuously wrapped in leather till it meets the diameter of the sput, then stitched. Would be difficult to do. The only item missing is one of the tiny turcoise stones on the stopper. Hope I can locate one.

Rick

[rickystl]

And here is my Arab style flask, which look pretty much like all the others. Still in usable condition.

What I've often wondered is how all these leather flasks were made. It appears there were two pieces of tooled leather that were stiched tightly together, then submerged in boiling water to harden. Much like the boiled leather used under chain mail armour in the Middle Ages. What I can't figure out is how they keep the inside diameter/wider shape? Maybe when the inside is filled with water during the boiling process it expands to it's maximum? Difficult to explain what I'm trying to say.

Rick

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

It is said that "These camel scrotum powderflasks are very much the Arabian form". It is further said that on being released from the Ark the donkey's and camel's scrotums were mixed up and issued to the wrong animals. In fact the Arabian camel has to be assisted in the mating role by its handlers such is the pathetic size ... so the story goes.

LOL!!!! Great Ibrahiim!!!

Rick

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by David R

I believe the caps to the flasks also double as a powder measure.

Hi David.

Good observation. Could very well be the case. Makes sense anyway.

Rick.