Gunpowder Flask
Maker and role
Benajmin Johnson (d.Post 1891), Maker
Production date
1855-1861
See full details
Object detail
Media/Materials
Copper, brass, cording
Measurements
7 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 1 1/2" (19.1 x 9.5 x 3.8cm)
Description
Even after the growth of the American flask-making industry in the 1840s, English manufacturers continued to ship their products to the United States. Many of these flasks were cheap, mass-produced items from Birmingham. Some are identifiable by minor flaws in their design. This flask by Benjamin Johnson, with its patriotic eagle design, contains one key flaw: the national motto of the United States is incomplete. Johnson’s flask design omits the “E” from “E Pluribus Unum.” Johnson was one of the more obscure English flask makers and it is rare to come across one of his items.
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
59G14/G76-76
Currently on display?
Maker
Public comments
Be the first to comment on this object record.