Curious powder flask

Alex Matilda · 29th October 2012, 11:18 PM

Hi all

and greetings from Canada !

Here is my first post. I would like to present a powder flask I have just
acquired. As you can see in the pictures, it is very interesting with fine sculpting on both sides. It's dated 1561 and from the depiction of the clothes, looks of german/dutch origin ? The material feels very cold to the touch. It doesn't look like a cow horn to me but I'm no expert at all. I do not see any little holes on the surface like you would see with bone and it doesn't have the shape of any bone.
I wonder if anyone as ever seen one looking like mine ? Maybe it's a fake ?

I have also another flask very similar to this one :
http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O9...flask-unknown/

Mine is dated 1601 and is in excellent condition. I will post pictures soon of this second flask.

Thank you !

Alex

fernando · 30th October 2012, 02:01 PM

Welcome to the forum, Alex.
A beautiful example. It looks like the real thing ... however in an atypical style and engraving method, comparing to the countless examples posted in this forum.
While you wait for a qualified opinion, you may use the search button, typing the term powder flask/s. You may be surprised with result.

Pukka Bundook · 31st October 2012, 03:51 PM

Greetings Alex,......and Welcome!!

Rather interesting flask!
From the pictures you have attached, the flask body appears a little flattened.
The material looks like antler, but I have never seen deeply hatched engraving like this before, but my knowlege is very limited!
Also, many examples of antler flasks are bifurcated, and of course are in the round, not flat-ish.
Antler too often goes a little brown with age.

The metal fittings appear old, but can you show us details of the nozzle?

Does the flask have a decent volume? It has me a bit worried really.
Thank you for posting the pics!
Richard.

PS,
I looked at your other flask, and it appears right.
I don't think it will be antler though, going by the shape I'd say horn.

29th October 2012, 11:18 PM	#1
Alex Matilda Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 1	Curious powder flask Hi all and greetings from Canada ! Here is my first post. I would like to present a powder flask I have just acquired. As you can see in the pictures, it is very interesting with fine sculpting on both sides. It's dated 1561 and from the depiction of the clothes, looks of german/dutch origin ? The material feels very cold to the touch. It doesn't look like a cow horn to me but I'm no expert at all. I do not see any little holes on the surface like you would see with bone and it doesn't have the shape of any bone. I wonder if anyone as ever seen one looking like mine ? Maybe it's a fake ? I have also another flask very similar to this one : http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O9...flask-unknown/ Mine is dated 1601 and is in excellent condition. I will post pictures soon of this second flask. Thank you ! Alex Attached Images

31st October 2012, 03:51 PM	#3
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Greetings Alex,......and Welcome!! Rather interesting flask! From the pictures you have attached, the flask body appears a little flattened. The material looks like antler, but I have never seen deeply hatched engraving like this before, but my knowlege is very limited! Also, many examples of antler flasks are bifurcated, and of course are in the round, not flat-ish. Antler too often goes a little brown with age. The metal fittings appear old, but can you show us details of the nozzle? Does the flask have a decent volume? It has me a bit worried really. Thank you for posting the pics! Richard. PS, I looked at your other flask, and it appears right. I don't think it will be antler though, going by the shape I'd say horn. Last edited by Pukka Bundook; 1st November 2012 at 06:12 AM. Reason: To add last paragraph.

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30th October 2012, 02:01 PM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Welcome to the forum, Alex. A beautiful example. It looks like the real thing ... however in an atypical style and engraving method, comparing to the countless examples posted in this forum. While you wait for a qualified opinion, you may use the search button, typing the term powder flask/s. You may be surprised with result.