Antique 4 Pounds Leather Hunter or Military Gun Powder Flask Brass Two Step Loading Spout
Description: An antique gun powder flask made of brass and leather. The flask has a body made of leather marked with the words "4 lbs" on one side. This is probably indicative of the capacity of the flask, which is 4 pounds of gun powder. The flask has a brass spout with a two-step graduation. The spout with the mechanism is attached to the leather flask with two rivets. The mechanism appears to be missing one of the gates, the top one at 1 1/2. However, the spring and the gates at 1 and 1 1/4 are present and appear to work like they should. You tilt the flask down to fill the brass spout, then you push on the thumb piece of the mechanism and load the barrel of the gun. Once you release the mechanism the spout is closed and the process is complete. The piece has a loop at the end opposite from the loading mechanism to hang from your belt. Just a nice military antique. Please carefully view photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain but possibly mid 1800 through early 1900s.
Origin: Uncertain but most likely USA.
Size: The piece is ~8 3/4" long and ~4" at its widest. The spout is ~2 3/16" long and and about 1/2" in diameter. The piece weighs 3 1/2 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Marked in embossed numbers 4 lbs. It is also stamped 1 next to the bottom slot, 1 1/4 next to the next slot, and 1 1/2 next to the top slot near the open end of the spout.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: Very nice antique piece of military or hunting gear, which would make a great addition to your collection.
Condition: The flask is in very good condition. The leather is tight and fairly clean with some age cracking and some staining. The seams are mostly good and intact, with the exception of a short area near the top of the flask, which can be seen in the 4th photo. This are appears to have slight damage and the seam is partially open, but the flask is still intact. There is an area of general damage around of the leather around one of the rivets holding it to the spout, which can be seen in the 8th photo. The brass spout appears to be intact with a spring that is working properly but missing one small part at the top of the spout which would fit in the last hole in the lever and insert into the top slot. Other than that the piece looks great, is all original, and would fit nicely in your collection of military items. Please see photos to appreciate the beauty and condition of this piece.
