Massive Flask for comment

[Battara]

I too was thinking Moroccan.........

[rickystl]

Hi Stu.

WOW!!! That's a big one !!! I would guess Moroccan or Algerian, probably Moroccan.
One of the first things I noticed was that it was made with carrying rings. At first, I thought it might be used to carry some type of liquid (wine ? LOL) But the stopper would be the wrong design for that. Liquid was carried in wood containers or leather boas. And, there appears to be no flat on the bottom of the flask to stand upright on a table or flat surface. So, Hmmmm.
I do remember reading somewhere in my reference material that the Ottomans would assign specific individuals to carry the larger containers of bulk powder to refill the other troops flasks while on campaign. In Europe and North America large, full-size steer horns were used (called storage horns) to store the powder from the wood transport barrels. Ultimately for the same purpose.
This flask, to me, looks like it was made maybe in the early 20th Century (?)
There sure is a lot of hand work in this flask. It was made to carry something, but I don't know what. LOL But again, the lack of a flat bottom and the carrying rings tells me it was designed for shoulder suspension or horse/camel carry. It's certainly attractive and would look great on display.

Stu: Is there any evidence of black powder ?

Rick

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by rickystl

Hi Stu.
WOW!!! That's a big one !!! I would guess Moroccan or Algerian, probably Moroccan.
Rick

Yep at a first look it's Moroccan, but if you look well at the decorations, they are very Ottoman... And they were no Ottomans in Morocco... I vote for Algeria...
20th c. maybe - but before 1916...

[Philip]

Originally Posted by Kubur

And they were no Ottomans in Morocco...

Not even in front of armchairs??

[Kubur]

I think you are right Stu, it has to be Moroccan
let's say 80% chances... Still i can see some Algerian Ottoman influences 20%...
Please see the one attached labelled Moroccan powder flask 20th c
For the one on the engraving, be careful it might be another kind, see the pic...

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Kubur

I think you are right Stu, it has to be Moroccan
let's say 80% chances... Still i can see some Algerian Ottoman influences 20%...
Please see the one attached labelled Moroccan powder flask 20th c
For the one on the engraving, be careful it might be another kind, see the pic...

Certainly not the "beehive" type due to depicted size. In the pic, compare the size of the flask including the spout, to the length of the rifle stocks. No guarantee that things are "to scale" but the flask length including the spout is as long as the rifle stock from the butt to the trigger.
Stu

[ariel]

I hope that instead of water or gunpowder the owner carried in it a goodly dose of Arak.


For wound sterilizing, of course:-)

[ariel]

Originally Posted by Philip

Not even in front of armchairs??

No.
They had only sectionals. But one could choose the upholstery.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by rickystl

Hi Stu.

WOW!!! That's a big one !!! I would guess Moroccan or Algerian, probably Moroccan.
One of the first things I noticed was that it was made with carrying rings. At first, I thought it might be used to carry some type of liquid (wine ? LOL) But the stopper would be the wrong design for that. Liquid was carried in wood containers or leather boas. And, there appears to be no flat on the bottom of the flask to stand upright on a table or flat surface. So, Hmmmm.
I do remember reading somewhere in my reference material that the Ottomans would assign specific individuals to carry the larger containers of bulk powder to refill the other troops flasks while on campaign. In Europe and North America large, full-size steer horns were used (called storage horns) to store the powder from the wood transport barrels. Ultimately for the same purpose.
This flask, to me, looks like it was made maybe in the early 20th Century (?)
There sure is a lot of hand work in this flask. It was made to carry something, but I don't know what. LOL But again, the lack of a flat bottom and the carrying rings tells me it was designed for shoulder suspension or horse/camel carry. It's certainly attractive and would look great on display.

Stu: Is there any evidence of black powder ?

Rick

Hi Rick,
Not for liquid IMHO. As you say, liquid was usually in either wooden or leather containers.
Evidence of powder? Maybe..... as there is a lump of something loose inside the flask, of what looks to me to be powder which has got damp and gone solid. Dark grey colour, but I am not going to risk trying to break it down as friction can ignite it if indeed it IS powder. Don't see what else it could be.
Stu

[kahnjar1]

Interesting how things turn up eventually.
I see in Thinreadline's latest thread re flask ID, that there is a pic/woodcut showing the guy in the middle with one of these large flasks.
At least I can now be reasonably sure that the origin is Morocco.
Stu