Gunpowder Flask

Maker and role
Hilario Matheo (Spanish, active 18th Century), Maker
Production date
Mid 18th Century-Late 18th Century
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Object detail

Media/Materials
Animal horn, brass
Measurements
8 x 3 1/4 x 1 3/4" (20.3 x 8.3 x 4.4cm)
Description
The Spanish military was renowned for its musketeers in the sixteenth century. Musketeers were soldiers armed with muskets. Along with the development of firearms came the manufacture of gunpowder flasks. Most of these early flasks were made of horn, similar to this item. Musketeers typically clipped these curved flasks onto their belts for easy access during battle. The charger design of this flask suggests that it was a later model, probably from the eighteenth century. Unfortunately, little information is known about its maker, Hilario Matheo.

Gunpowder was sold in bulk and gunpowder flasks were used to carry gunpowder when out in the field.
Object number
97.12.172
Currently on display?
No

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