PRIMER FLASK.....from where???

[kahnjar1]

Just picked this one up, and would like some comment and suggestions as to origin.
The base has a plug, which is (I assume) used to fill the flask as it would be impossible to fill it from the spout end.
The flask body is horn, decorated with metal work and turquoises and glass beads. The spout is not adjustable as one would expect on a primer flask, and is covered by a nice friction fit cap. Both caps have chain anchor loops but the chain is missing.
A bit different from the usual primer flask seen around.

[Tim Simmons]

My first thoughts are Morocco?

[kahnjar1]

Any ideas Gentlemen?

[colin henshaw]

With those turquoise and glass stones in those settings, it has a Central Asian or Tibetan look...

[Henk]

In the ottoman area they where fond of these kind of decorations as well.
The other suggestions make sense as well.
Nice find, that's for sure.

[rickystl]

Hi Stu.
That is a really neat looking horn, for sure. This is a tough one to place it's origin. Hmmmm. I know the turquoise and other stones were popular throughout the Region. But I tend to agree here with Colin. Looks more Southeast Asian, or similar. It's great it still has both it's filler plug and cap. Usually one of the two, or both is usually missing as you know. So this is a good find. Judging by the length it could be a priming horn. But I'm more inclined to think it is a medium sized, what is occasionally refered to as a "day horn". Just enough powder for a 2-3 day hunt. Would be worth restoring the missing stones if you can locate them. Again, nice horn.
Rick.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by rickystl

Hi Stu.
That is a really neat looking horn, for sure. This is a tough one to place it's origin. Hmmmm. I know the turquoise and other stones were popular throughout the Region. But I tend to agree here with Colin. Looks more Southeast Asian, or similar. It's great it still has both it's filler plug and cap. Usually one of the two, or both is usually missing as you know. So this is a good find. Judging by the length it could be a priming horn. But I'm more inclined to think it is a medium sized, what is occasionally refered to as a "day horn". Just enough powder for a 2-3 day hunt. Would be worth restoring the missing stones if you can locate them. Again, nice horn.
Rick.

Hi Rick,
Not so sure about SEA origins. Any flasks I have seen from that area are plain wood, some with carved decoration, but none with metal and stone work.
I am leaning towards northern India/Tibet but as Henk points out it could also be of Ottoman origin which covers a fairly wide area.
I do not agree about it being what you term a "day horn" Too small, and the spout hole is only 4mm across which would be OK for fine priming powder, but I think would cause difficulty with the coarse main charge powder.
The replacement turquoises are sitting here on my desk, and will be fitted later today.
Stu

[BANDOOK]

HI STU GREETINGS
AS SOME SUGGESTED TIBET AM PRESENTING MINE WHICH IS MADE FROM THE HORNS OF THE TIBETAN WILD SHEEP [BHARAL] OR THE HIMALAYAN BLUE SHEEP,IT HAS TURQOUISE,RED CORAL AND SILVER DECORATIONS,CHEERS

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Hi Rick,
Not so sure about SEA origins. Any flasks I have seen from that area are plain wood, some with carved decoration, but none with metal and stone work.
I am leaning towards northern India/Tibet but as Henk points out it could also be of Ottoman origin which covers a fairly wide area.
I do not agree about it being what you term a "day horn" Too small, and the spout hole is only 4mm across which would be OK for fine priming powder, but I think would cause difficulty with the coarse main charge powder.
The replacement turquoises are sitting here on my desk, and will be fitted later today.
Stu

A couple of pics of the flask with stones replaced.
Still looking for origin point..........Thanks Rajesh for your pic of your Tibetan flask. Very nice, but apart from the stones, the decoration is quite different to that on my Primer.
Stu

[kahnjar1]

No conclusive decision as to origin from the first try. Any further thoughts please?
Stu

[Henk]

Very well done, Stu. It makes the flask complete.
Comparing it with the Tibetan powder flask i'm more convinced about my first guess. Ottoman/Balkan Area.

[colin henshaw]

Did an internet search for "Tibetan snuff flask", and found a few that have reasonably similar wirework

[Henk]

You nailed it Colin

I think the metal and wirework could be silver.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Henk

You nailed it Colin

I think the metal and wirework could be silver.

Unfortunately not silver as far as I can tell. Looks like brass, or a brass alloy showing a very slight silvery hue. Anyway a nice and unusual flask IMHO. Will tag as Ottoman/Balkan unless something more concrete surfaces.
Thanks Gentlemen
Stu