Continental Powder and Shot Flasks

[Tn poor boy]

Enclosed are a image of Continental horn and leather powder and shot flask that may interest members .
Feltwad
View attachment 129133

I need a shot horn or flask

 

[Nor'Easter]

Feltwad, what do you think the range of dates are for the various types. I'm not that knowledgeable about horns and flasks yet, but anything that solves a mechanical problem has always fascinated me. NE

 

[oreclan]

I greatly enjoy your powder flask collection.
It is interesting how many flasks, especially those of European provenience have been altered from their natural state, i.e. flattened , molded, etc. in to some other form not found in nature. Even though American Colonial and later United States powder horns/ flasks were for the most part utilitarian and minimally altered, they too were carved and engraved in order to "beautify" and emphasize man's triumph over nature, and his attempt to change it. It was also a way to memorialize various events and to relate their exploits and triumphs to friends , family, and strangers in the years following.
Just my opinion.
I have a copy of and refer often to Riling's book "The Powder Flask Book". I highly recommend it to those interested in the subject as it covers powder horns and flasks from all over the world.
I have a small collection of original, everyday powder flasks, and 19th/ 20th Century powder horns; as well as several dozen more ornate contemporary horns from horners from around the country, as well as half a dozen of my own manufacture.
I am extremely interested in this aspect of muzzleloading.

 

[Feltwad]

Feltwad, what do you think the range of dates are for the various types. I'm not that knowledgeable about horns and flasks yet, but anything that solves a mechanical problem has always fascinated me. NE

Most of the flasks in the image are from the late flintlock era but more for the percussion period .Early horn flask and antler flask most just had a wood stopper and those of the continental match lock were made of wood and leather
Most English flask are made of copper and brass by flask makers such has Dixon and Son, also Hawksley there was also other flask makers I have enclosed a image of these types of flask that came in all shapes and designs. Members note that these images are not for parading has mentioned by some but too show a range of flasks that were common during the percussion period.
Feltwad

 

[Nor'Easter]

It's a fine collection, you should be proud of your efforts. I have problems with collectors who are not willing to share. One of my pet peeves are museums who hoard antique weapons, but only display the pieces they consider "art" forms. I spend a lot of time looking into the arms collections of various museums, it's staggering how many firearms have little or no documentation, not even basic photos and measurements. Just locked away in a basement vault.

 

[Feltwad]

It's a fine collection, you should be proud of your efforts. I have problems with collectors who are not willing to share. One of my pet peeves are museums who hoard antique weapons, but only display the pieces they consider "art" forms. I spend a lot of time looking into the arms collections of various museums, it's staggering how many firearms have little or no documentation, not even basic photos and measurements. Just locked away in a basement vault.

Here in the UK we have now only a few major museums display antique guns On my 25 years research I travelled to many average museums only to be disappointed that most had been taken of display and stored in damp basements or covered with old picture frames and curtain drapes or stored in a corner and covered in dust and not seen a oily rag for decades , no museums are not for me for storing and keeping our gun heritage in top condition
Feltwad

 

[Rudyard]

On this topic Haveing worked in Museums there thinking is they cant display everything. And typically the Ice berg anology of only one eight is shewn ,is because if you fill a case with everything it becomes a one ness .Great for buffs who know what there looking at but the thinking is to display a few items with minimal graphics to appeal to a bright 11 year old & the visitor allows 10 seconds per exibit . . This said All the items are NOT the Museums they are the Publics so you can arrange to see any item they have as of right, if few will trouble to do that . Sheffield's Western Park Museum once displayed guns but the Left wing staff decided such things where' war like' and they now reside across the road. But you could arrange a visit to see them same as at the Museum I worked for ( Glenbow in Calgary ) . This said the Sheffield museum had a staff member who collected' Goss ' Porcelain models & he displayed them but the head office had him remove Goss cannons & Tanks being deemed 'War like' .But the City Council flew the Red Flag of Russia from the City Hall on May day & other times & wont allow the Territorial Army to display at the Sheffield show .. They where offered the National Arms collection then still held in the Tower of London but they refused it being' War like ' (Presumably their on board with Putin ?). But Near by Leeds said yes and the Royal Armouries at Leeds Is a veritable temple to historic arms & armours purpose built multy storied with 'hands on ' features . Not to be missed if visiting the UK .
Re the flasks I don't see them as indulgent their an interesting collection . if the local museum is unlikley to be the place to receive them . The RA might .. I have one of my make muskets in the Royal Armouries but it wasn't my bequest . But you know They at least arn't anti gun .
Regards Felt Wad & Nor Easter .Rudyard

 

[Alexitt]

Very nice collection and I am intrigued by the knuckle spouts, I've never seen those before... Thanks for sharing!