Powder Flasks of Morocco

[kahnjar1]

I find it rather interesting that Morocco of all countries seems to have the biggest range of powder flask shapes. I have no doubt that some of these have been produced in the 20th century, maybe for the tourist market, but any I have seen or own are certainly usable as working flasks. They all have spouts which feed into the hollow main flask body, unlike some modern made replica flasks which have a false spout and a solid body.
Here is a pic of those currently in my collection.......lets see what Moroccan flasks others have in their collections.
Stu

[Battara]

Yes what a crazy range!

[Kubur]

very nice collection!
One is Algerian, at least...
3 or 4 are 20th c. tourist productions, but as i can see of good quality.
Diversity is not suprprising when you look at all the different Moroccan long guns.

[Kubur]

Not mine, but look at this Moroccan powder horn and the little primer flask.
These primer flasks are always considered as Afghan but i dont think they are in fact...

[TVV]

Originally Posted by Kubur

These primer flasks are always considered as Afghan but i dont think they are in fact...

There is a primer flask in Buttin's plates that looks like this, so I think you are correct and these may be misidentified as Afghan. The problem is that the image is so tiny that it is very hard to make out any of the finer details apart from the general shape.

Teodor

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by TVV

There is a primer flask in Buttin's plates that looks like this, so I think you are correct and these may be misidentified as Afghan. The problem is that the image is so tiny that it is very hard to make out any of the finer details apart from the general shape.

Teodor

Hi Teodor.

Much agree with you and Kubur. While widely associated with Afghan use (you see them on original Afghan ammunition belts), I think the original styling of those tiny flasks are Persian - in larger size.

That's a great looking bottle style flask. I really like the purple colored binding.

And thanks for adding some history of the Region. It adds clarity for the reasons for the many designs of the flasks. Interesting. Thanks.

Rick

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Kubur

very nice collection!
One is Algerian, at least...
3 or 4 are 20th c. tourist productions, but as i can see of good quality.
Diversity is not suprprising when you look at all the different Moroccan long guns.

Which do you say is Algerian?
Stu

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Which do you say is Algerian?
Stu

The big one in the middle, a pure beauty!
You can see a lot of Ottoman influences, they didn't have the Ottomans in Morocco...
This is really a very cool stuff.

[rickystl]

Hi Stu.

Nice collection !! Yes, the variety is amazing. I think my favorite is the one in the top left corner.
Here are the only three "Moroccan" I have:

The one on the left is a great example of a tourist type flask. The hole in the spout does not go through the body of the fask. The front and back plates are only soldered in spots, versus the entire circumference. The carrying strap, while colorful, is thin cotton.

The horn is in very good, original shape. I added the carrying strap. It's tightly woven wool in an Ottoman pattern I ordered from Turkey.
The brass priming flask is old, with it's original strap, and still in usable condition.

I use both the horn and the primer to load the Moroccan musket. Adds to the fun. LOL

Rick

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Kubur

The big one in the middle, a pure beauty!
You can see a lot of Ottoman influences, they didn't have the Ottomans in Morocco...
This is really a very cool stuff.

This flask was discussed here>http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=23189
Stu

[archer]

Hi Stu, I think this may be Moroccan as well Steve

[Oliver Pinchot]

It's Omani

[Kubur]

Mmmm i think it's Yemeni,
but let's say South Arabian peninsula and everyone will be happy!
Happy new year to all
Kubur

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by Kubur

Mmmm i think it's Yemeni,
but let's say South Arabian peninsula and everyone will be happy!
Happy new year to all
Kubur

I would have just said Arabian. LOL But yes, Omani/Arab I'm sure is correct.
This must have been a popular flask style on the Peninsula as you see many, old specimens available today. All built the same way. I don't have this style in my collection, but I have my eye one one.

Rick

[kahnjar1]

I have always thought of this style as "Arabian". As Rick says they come up quite often and the style is always similar but with different surface decoration. The powder cutoff varies also.
Here are 3 of mine.
Stu