Apr 17, 2020
Oct 22, 2010

Powder Flask

Powder Flask

late 1700s–early 1800s

Cowhorn, incised

Diameter: 8.8 cm (3 7/16 in.); Overall: 26.4 cm (10 3/8 in.)

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1918.66

Location

Description

Powder flasks are small, portable containers designed to hold gunpowder. From the 1400s to the 1800s, powder flasks were indispensable for charging and priming firearms of all types. Without powder flasks firearms were of little use to their owners. Many highly decorated flasks rank as works of art.

See also
Collection: 
MED - Arms & Armor
Department: 
Medieval Art
Type of artwork: 
Arms and Armor

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