Powder flask.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by estcrh

I was looking for an Indo-Persian powder flask and found this, the owner had no idea what it was for sure and since it was very inexpensive I bought, any thoughts? Here is the description.

"Unique Asian(?) Container Flask Gun Powder Herbs Shot Estate Find. This is an estate find, and I'm not certain what it is. It is made of all brass with beautiful etchings, indicating Asian origin, but I'm not sure of anything about this interesting piece. It measures 4 3/8" long and is 2" wide at widest point. It has a cap that fits snugly inside, attached by a chain. The top is difficult to take off, and seals tightly when inside. There is a 30" brass chain also attached, probably to be used for hanging about the neck. I am unable to get a scan of the sides, and photos don't show it, but both edges have the "rope" cording that you see, and within those "ropes" is a solid 1/4" wide area with no etching. Not extremely heavy, but is very tightly made with sturdy seams. I have never encountered anything even resembling this item, but believe it to be quite old.

Salaams estcrh ~ Nice powder flask ...it looks like copper or brass(as you say) with something over it... possibly silver or tin. Nice decoration and a couple of different types of chain... I can't disagree with Indo / Persian.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Runjeet Singh]

It has the same shape as the middle eastern 'Camel Scrotum' Powder flasks that are often found. Sorry I don't have an image, but a quick Google search will find quite a few images.

Thanks,
Runjeet