AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Antique Accoutrements => Topic started by: backsplash75 on May 16, 2020, 05:02:03 PM

Title: 18th century horn powder flask
Post by: backsplash75 on May 16, 2020, 05:02:03 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/jGmt5RN/s-l1600front.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Xp1H48Q)

brass spout, back side is flat.

(https://i.ibb.co/C2Y3Zrx/s-l1600.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HdbfsJm)

Governor John Page of Va.

(https://i.ibb.co/XJmPRX6/Governor-John-Page-Virginia.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: 18th century horn powder flask
Post by: Clint on May 17, 2020, 05:55:43 PM
Powder flasks are usually made of metal and powder horns are usually made of horn. Looking at this flask and my last post 'copper horn' reminds me to not use words like "never" and "always" when talking about flint lock guns and the things that go with them. Cool flask!
CW
Title: Re: 18th century horn powder flask
Post by: alyce-james on May 17, 2020, 09:22:20 PM
backsplash75; Sir, In the Bible of powder horn. "The Powder FLask Book" by Ray Riling. Copyright 1953. (Reprints are floating around) I direct you to page #393 - 401. Heading "HORN", text and 74 horn flasks for your viewing pleasure. Description and pictures. Have a great week. Thanks for sharing. AJ.
Title: Re: 18th century horn powder flask
Post by: Crow Boy on May 21, 2020, 10:33:20 PM
Gentlemen,

At the risk of inferring too much from the 1758 portrait of Gov. Page, he must have been right proud of his flask to have it placed so prominantly in the foreground.   I concur with Clint--cool flask!

-Caw
Title: Re: 18th century horn powder flask
Post by: Mick C on May 23, 2020, 04:51:54 PM
Never seen one of horn before.  I'm guessing it's very rare indeed.  Thank you so much for sharing both the flask and the print.
Title: Re: 18th century horn powder flask
Post by: Pukka Bundook on May 23, 2020, 06:16:27 PM
Horn flasks were well know in England, but not common by any means.
Same with coconut, (French V often) and tortoise -shell.
V nice, V different, and V practical!

V nice flask, Clint!!
Title: Re: 18th century horn powder flask
Post by: backsplash75 on May 23, 2020, 06:29:47 PM
Thanks for the heads up on Riling's book, I snagged a copy.  :)

As mentioned above, these were pretty common in English sporting use and portraits, some were used here in America.


https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Joseph_Wright_(of_Derby)_-_Fleetwood_Hesketh_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Joseph_Wright_(of_Derby)_-_Fleetwood_Hesketh_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/d2Ms5fg/Powder-Flask-Fleetwood-Hesketh-Joseph-Wright-Of-Derby1769-Walker-Art-Gall-GAP.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: 18th century horn powder flask
Post by: Pukka Bundook on May 24, 2020, 04:37:59 PM
Backsplash,

With flasks of this type, it's best to carry them in a pocket or if suspended that way up, (In above photo) to carry under the coat so no sparks can fall into the spout.
I understand the photo is just to illustrate this type, and isn't a recommendation as to how to carry in the field, but just thought I'd throw this in.  :-)

Best,
Richard.
Title: Re: 18th century horn powder flask
Post by: cable on June 03, 2020, 06:23:20 AM
those reminded me of a couple I picked up some years back from an auction.  I suspect these are mid to late 19th century, but what do I know?  they are in fine, usable condition.

(https://i.ibb.co/PFZzwJ2/horns-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DzDg5mB)

(https://i.ibb.co/vjR2wnj/horns-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hmwp7zm)

(https://i.ibb.co/PFyM9Dw/horns-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xXbYfFJ)

anybody know anything about these?  they are both adjustable , not marked as to weight etc , but maybe for shot or powder? 

they seem like they would be quite usable