Anyone know anything abouth this Old Powder Flask

[DougMPhoto]

Now that I'm done gloating about my good deal :redface: ...does anyone have any information on this flask. I was told it is an antique (original).

It seems to be made from horn. The top nozzle swivels. There are several small holes along the edges which I assume are for nails/rivets. Some small parts and the band appear to be brass. One part appears to be steel.

There are some other small parts that are real small that I haven't really looked at. I need a magnifier to see them to see what they might be.

The band has 4 holes to attach to horn.

There are some small holes in horn (left hand edge of piece on right), how would you repair or would you? I am thinking of not repairing so as not to devalue if it IS worth anything.

Any idea on year? maker? powder or shot? etc?

Anything else needed to assemble. I would like to try to reassemble...not necessarily for use but for show, mostly.

 

[Zonie]

In his book "THE POWDER FLASK BOOK" the author, Ray Riling uses the term "lanthorn" for flasks made from horn.
On page 393 he says, "...The cattle horn was frequently treated, shaped, and thinned to a transparency. To describe this material we have regularly used the archaic term lanthorn horn since it has been noted by us in early references to its use especially in the making of flasks as well as in the use as a covering for lanterns. Flasks made of horn of any sort preceded those of metal of the last century and it is interesting to observe that the use of horn as a material retained a certain popularity through the 19th century in Europe, particularly on the Continent...the makers on the Continent appear to have been prolific in turning out lanthorn horn flasks through the century and examples of French and Austrian artistry are appreciated in the pressed and engraved work on this material..."

Horn # 1236 (page 409) is very similar to your flask if not an exact copy. The author says, "Flask Figure 1234 is an example of pressed lanthorn horn to form concave and convex flutings, 1235 shows a die impressed lanthorn horn body, Figure 1236 shows plain lanthorn horn used in the usual fashion with a bulbous swell to the form..." (page 405)

There are at least 6 flasks in the book that use the spherical valve your flask uses which says yours isn't unique but with the hundreds of flasks shown that use other types of valves it might be said that yours is somewhat uncommon.

The author did say that it is unusual for these lanthorn flasks to be marked by the maker.

The adjustable spout was very common on the flasks made in the 1800s.

Hope this helps you.

 

[Nifeman]

Now that I'm done gloating about my good deal :redface: ...does anyone have any information on this flask. I was told it is an antique (original).

It seems to be made from horn. The top nozzle swivels. There are several small holes along the edges which I assume are for nails/rivets. Some small parts and the band appear to be brass. One part appears to be steel.

There are some other small parts that are real small that I haven't really looked at. I need a magnifier to see them to see what they might be.

The band has 4 holes to attach to horn.

There are some small holes in horn (left hand edge of piece on right), how would you repair or would you? I am thinking of not repairing so as not to devalue if it IS worth anything.

Any idea on year? maker? powder or shot? etc?

Anything else needed to assemble. I would like to try to reassemble...not necessarily for use but for show, mostly.

If you want to use it , you could repair the holes with a little melted beeswax...Bud

 

[DougMPhoto]

Zonie,

Thanks...It does tell me quite a bit. The front is bulbous and the back is flat.

We had a shoot yesterday and a couple guys belong to the Horners Guild and seemed interested in it. They want to reasssemle to see how it's made and make a copy for themselves. One told me maybe 1890 because of the spout. Any indication in the book on dates OTHER than 1800's?

They also said all the small holes along the edge were where it was SEWN together, not reveted.

Doug

 

[Zonie]

Referring to the same book there is a picture of a James Dixon catalog page on page 214 which shows the swivel joint spout although the actual measure is a gated style rather than the sliding adjustable style on your flask. This flask was No669.
On page 212 the author says, "...The unusual pouch shown as 669 in the Dixon catalog on page 30 is equipped with a "knuckle joint lever top" It should be noted that designs appearing on flasks of other makers are identical, or nearly so, to a number of the Dixon designs..."

Describing the catalog, on page 210 the author says,"Four of our pages are devoted to illustrating the flasks, pouches and belts as they appeared in part 2 titled "Powder Flasks, Shor Pouches, &c.," of the James Dixon & Sons' "Sporting Tackle" catalog issued in July 1883...This type of catalog was first published by the Dixon firm in 1876 and continued with a few re-issues ...until the last issue in 1883. In all subsequent issues of the Dixon General Catalog no mention is made of Powder Flasks or other types of gun implements..."

Looking closely at the edges of this flask, I don't see any signs of stitching. Perhaps the band covers it?

 

[DougMPhoto]

Hey Zonie, :hatsoff:

Thanks that sure does help. At least now I can see where rings go. Also some idea of small loose parts in bag not in my photo.

You are right about the stitching...It is UNDER the side banding with small holes all along the edge.

Doug