Priming flask.
 

Not to sure where this one originates from, but a neat little thing it is, and I was very glade to get it. These are rarer than the main flasks or powder horns.

I think it's an Arabic priming flask. Very sweet. :)

Hi David,
Possibly Persian.
Stu

Hi David

I have always thought these tiny flasks were a real curiosity. They seem too small even for a priming flask. Although they are functional and will hold about a half-dozen or so pan primes. Occasionally, these show up attached to Afghan rifleman's belt along with other accessories. And they all look similar.
Here is one I own which includes a combination screwdriver and vent pick. There is a screw on one end that will allow powder to be filled. Sometimes I wonder if these were meant to be just some type of charm or good luck piece. But then again, they were made as fully functional. Difficult to make sense of their use.

Rick

Hi Rick

Is it possible to see an example of such a priming flask, that these show up attached to Afghan rifleman's belt along with other accessories. The fact is that I have seen a combination of similar priming flasks with Arabic belts, such as in this example from the museum:

https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O...k-and-unknown/

This looks like a Persian primer flask with the punctured circle decoration and a nipple prick.-- bbjw

Hm. I always thought Persian priming flasks looked like this:

https://shedet.journals.ekb.eg/artic...f54bb7de03.pdf

In a non military context, how often do you need to prime, before going home? But I agree, very small and I do wonder if they were as much talismanic or even symbolic as useful.

I agree, the average hunter or shepherd only needs prime maybe a couple times if they get lucky/unlucky