A genuine antique Civil War powder flask

[Colonial Boy]

or so it says on Etsy Australia, only $73.26 and $33.59 delivery charges. (Aust, dollars).
Being of a suspicious nature where flasks are concerned, I compared it to a 50\year old ”original ” reproduction of the same flask that I bought new for a few dollars back in the 1960s.
Both seem to have the same die cast thumb levers.
Here’s the one on Etsy

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[Colonial Boy]

From the add:
”This is, a highly embossed, Civil War Powder Flask. The brass and copper Flask, offers detailed images, of an cannon, crossing guns, rifles, stars, flags and so much more. Measures, 7″ high and 3 1/4″ width.
Good working Spring.
The bottle is made of Copper and brass”.

 

[kyron4]

Reproduction, $40 US all day long on Ebay.

 

[RMH]

I have one just like it....was about $20 in the late '70's, brand spanking new.

 

[hanshi]

I bought one of those back in the 1960s and still have it. At some point the spring died and I installed a new spring. It still works great.

 

[springfield art]

or so it says on Etsy Australia, only $73.26 and $33.59 delivery charges. (Aust, dollars).
Being of a suspicious nature where flasks are concerned, I compared it to a 50\year old ”original ” reproduction of the same flask that I bought new for a few dollars back in the 1960s.
Both seem to have the same die cast thumb levers.
Here’s the one on Etsy
View attachment 210784View attachment 210785View attachment 210787_

Good eye!

 

[springfield art]

I have one just like it....was about $20 in the late '70's, brand spanking new.

Twenty bucks back then is like 55 now!

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

My first one was a whole $10.00. I still have it. One of my nephews was looking at that same flask you posted. He wanted to get it for a birthday present for his father. I told him it wasn’t original or antique for that matter. I found that exact one for him for a bit over $30.00 plus shipping. He gave it to his dad today.

 

[user 48679]

Some sellers often use "artistic license" to their advantage

Here's a guide, when buying

https://antiquesknowhow.com/antique-powder-flasks/

 

[Rifleman1776]

Got one just like it. But, I've had it so long it might qualify as an antique.

 

[smoothshooter]

or so it says on Etsy Australia, only $73.26 and $33.59 delivery charges. (Aust, dollars).
Being of a suspicious nature where flasks are concerned, I compared it to a 50\year old ”original ” reproduction of the same flask that I bought new for a few dollars back in the 1960s.
Both seem to have the same die cast thumb levers.
Here’s the one on Etsy
View attachment 210784View attachment 210785View attachment 210787_

Probably a nice flask, but definitely a reproduction.
New ones now seem to be in short supply in the US though. Maybe the China Virus wiped out most of the workers in the flask factory in Italy.

 

[TDM]

It is a genuine reproduction.

 

[BoomStick]

Could be an honest mistake, as even antique dealers might not know if it's outside their area of interest. Or maybe they only know it's older than 20 years (Etsy requirements for something to be vintage) as they don't attempt to date it by year or approximate age. But unknowing people buy stuff like that just for decoration...

 

[Colonial Boy]

Could indeed be an honest mistake, and not all antique dealers are clued up.
I bought a reproduction pocket sundial in Mumbai, the dealer had all sorts of reproduction ‘antiques’ but he sold them as repros.
When I remarked on their apparent originality he laughed and said “Some of my best customers are antique dealers.”
I took it to a local dealer (no longer in business) for a valuation and he put a value on it based on its apparent age and rarity despite the obvious fact that the glass was glued in place. He even made me an offer for it but I’m basically honest so declined.