Antique Queen Anne Powder Flask

 

Photography by Jan Riser.

The Bill Myers Collection by Morphy Auctions

 

Lot 1024: 

1783 DATED ENGRAVED POWDER HORN DEPICTING GEORGE WASHINGTON

Description

The body of this flat green colored powder horn measures 4-1/2" in height excluding the 1-1/2" turned brass spout section applied on top. At the bottom, the horn measures 3" with a thickness of 3/4". The brass plate beneath the spout is engraved with period "1783" inscription, probably celebrating the end of the Revolutionary War. The base plug is also brass and engraved with folk art deer, fox and chicken. The front of the horn is engraved with a depiction of General George Washington mounted on his horse with a sword in hand pointed towards the sky. Above is an "E. PLURIBUS UNUM" banner. On the opposite side there is a large shield with scales engraved within (representing balance) and the phrase "& PEACE" below. There are olive branches on the sides and tulips above the shield. Complete with a wooden spout plug. 

CONDITION: Very good with wonderful patina. Brass retains a nice dark patina. A very nice and early patriotic American horn powder flask.

Est: $3,000 - $5,000

$1,500

Morphy Auctions

September 29, 2021, 10:00 AM EST

Denver, PA, US 

Copy and photography from Morphy Auctions found here.

Powder Flask ca. 1620

• Place of origon: Germany (made)
• Date: ca. 1620
• Artist/Maker: Unknown
• Materials and Techniques: Walnut inlaid with enraved staghorn and engraved and copper mounts

This powder flask was used to carry gunpowder. A measured quantity of powder was drawn off by using the spring-loaded pivoting cap on the nozzle.

Firearms became more and more sophisticated during the 16th-century but still required a number of accessories to load and operate them. The main charge, placed in the barrel with the shot, was carried in the powder flask. Smaller priming flasks contained fine-grain powder for priming the pans of wheel-lock firearms. Flasks were attached to a bandolier, a type of sling worn over the shoulder or around the waist, from which hung the various accessories required for a weapon including spanners for the mechanism, measured charges, powder flasks and priming flasks.

Arms and armour are rarely associated with art. However, they were influenced by the same design sources as other art forms including architecture, sculpture, goldsmiths' work, stained glass and ceramics. These sources had to be adapted to awkwardly shaped devices required to perform complicated technical functions. Armour and weapons were collected as works of art as much as military tools.

Copy and photos from the Victoria and Albert Museum.

18th Century Powder Flask

This rare, early 18th century Powder Flask is made from wood and metal with a partial leather cover. The body is made of wood, the spout is metal and a metal bar runs through the flask with curled ends so that a carry strap could be attached. One side has Hand-Engraved Decorations of elliptical design, which appear to be of a “Folk Art” style often attributed to Pennsylvania. Some of the leather cover has naturally worn away, some minor wood loss at bottom with its original nails still intact. Other than for expected wear from actual use, there appear to be no significant defects. A major piece of early Colonial America military style equipment with rare “Folk Art” style of Pennsylvania decorations that make it excellent for display.

Copy and photos from Early American.