Gunpowder Flask
Maker and role
Frary, Benham, & Co. (estab. 1849, closed 1855), Maker
Production date
1849-1857
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Object detail
Media/Materials
Bronze, copper, brass
Measurements
8" (20.3cm)
Description
American flask designers routinely borrowed ideas from European manufacturers. The unique gun stock design originated with James Dixon & Sons in Sheffield, England but was adopted by the American firm of Frary, Benham & Co. by the 1850s. Flasks by that Connecticut-based company were nearly identical to those made by Dixon. The only major difference was that flasks by Frary, Benham & Co. were slightly larger. This flask is able to hold eight ounces of powder. After Frary, Benham & Co. was bought out in 1857, its successor company, the American Flask & Cap Co., continued to produce this design.
Gunpowder was sold in bulk and gunpowder flasks were used to carry gunpowder when out in the field.
Gunpowder was sold in bulk and gunpowder flasks were used to carry gunpowder when out in the field.
Object number
97.12.70
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