Civilian Powder Flask for Muzzle-Loading Firearms. Made in Spain, circa 1850

Civilian-Use Powder Flask for Muzzle-Loading Firearms. Made in Spain, circa 1850

Antique powder flask for civilian use made in Spain in the 19th century, circa 1850. This intriguing piece is designed to store gunpowder for loading muzzle-loading firearms. It is a very original item, well-preserved, and still functional. The powder flask is made of brass, leather, and iron, and its seams are sturdy and in good condition. As it was intended for civilian use, this item was likely used on hunting expeditions.

The powder flask features a unique and practical device for measuring the proper amount of gunpowder. To use it, the user must turn the upper brass piece and position the cylinder at a right angle. Then, the powder flask must be turned upside down so that the gunpowder falls into the brass and glass capsule. Through the circular glass window, you can see the amount of gunpowder deposited, which is the exact measure for a single charge. Once this is done, simply turn the capsule back and position the cylinder vertically: through this piece, you can pour the gunpowder into the barrel of the firearm.

The leather pouch displays a beautiful, bright reddish color, typical of leather that has seen many years of use. The surface shows some scuffs and signs of wear, which is to be expected for an item with such a long history and extensive use. These marks are part of the powder flask's past and attest to its age. The brass capsule also shows signs of use. However, the mechanism operates smoothly, and the leather pouch remains completely watertight. Attached to it is an iron hook designed to hang the powder flask from a belt; it is slightly bent to conform to the wearer's body.

This powder flask is a collector's item, a piece that likely has a fascinating history behind it.

Dimensions: Width: 13 cm. Height: 20.5 cm.