Gunpowder Flask
Maker and role
The American Flask and Cap Company (estab. 1857, closed 1865), Maker
Production date
1857-1890
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Object detail
Media/Materials
Zinc, brass, cording
Measurements
9 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 1 3/4" (23.5 x 9.5 x 4.4cm)
Description
Shell designs became popular with powder flask makers during the mid-1800s. Almost every manufacturer eventually produced flasks with some type of seashell imagery. Because the design was so common, companies often included details to make their flasks stand out from competitors. Some of these details were very minor. The American Flask & Cap Co. of Waterbury, Connecticut, used a distinctive throat design known as the “pendant fern.” This design featured unique leafy decoration below the collar of the flask. The shell design found on the face of this flask was produced by many European and American companies, but the “pendant fern” imagery was unique to items made by the American Flask & Cap Co.
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
97.12.106
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