Not much really early pre flint lock stuff gets brought up here, but I had to post the photos and info about this flask in the Beyer Clock Museum in Zurich Switzerland....no, this isnt some Hollywood prop or a new Steampunk gadget, its a real powder flask.
And here is the tag that accompanies the museum photo:
Gun Powder Flask with built-in Sundial
Southern Germany ca. 1590
Ulrich Schniep (1555-1588), Munich
Round Powder Flask made of rosewood with inlaid and engraved rosette-shaped ornaments ofbrass and bone. The initials in large letters VS (Ulrich Schniep) made of bone surround the centre. A "Small Clock" with twice 1-12 ho urs in red and black dials is situated on the outer ring. The small funnel ofbone is closed with a springy lid made of brass. Below the centre under the engraved lid with a transversally placed hinge, there is a horizontal sundial with indication ofthe hours from six o'clock in the morning to six o'clock in the evening. An auxiliary line is drawn for the 5th respectively 7th hour (latter without indication ofthe number) ofthe day. Small compass with North-South indication but without correction for the magnetic pole. The string gnomon (no longer attached) is stretched by opening the lid and is only valid for one latitude. On the side ofthe Flask there is a lid opening to a funnelshaped small pipe which is placed on the socket and allows for an easier filling-up ofthe Powder Flask. The Flask can be carried over the shoulder with astrap slung through both loops situated on the sides.
diameter: 10,8 cms
TCA
