Powder Flask
ca. 1580 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This powder flask would have been used to carry gunpowder for the Belchamp Hall musket and pistol. The shape is based on powder flasks of flattened cow horn widely used in the second half of the 16th century. A measured quantity of powder was drawn off by using the spring-loaded pivoting cap on the nozzle.
Subjects Depicted
The iron mounts are damascened (inlaid) in gold and silver and the wooden body is inlaid with panels of engraved staghorn. The front scene shows a crowned figure in a chariot being drawn by other crowned figures in a grassy landscape with a walled city behind. The scene represents the Triumph of Fame and is based on engravings by the artist Virgil Solis (1514-1562) of Nuremberg, Germany. The other inlaid ornament - hunting scenes, flowers, fruit and scrollwork - often appear on contemporary English furniture and firearms.
Ownership & Use
Like the pistol and gun that accompany this flask, it would have been an expensive object to buy. Inlaid firearms and flasks reflected the owners' status and were kept as much for display as for use.
This powder flask would have been used to carry gunpowder for the Belchamp Hall musket and pistol. The shape is based on powder flasks of flattened cow horn widely used in the second half of the 16th century. A measured quantity of powder was drawn off by using the spring-loaded pivoting cap on the nozzle.
Subjects Depicted
The iron mounts are damascened (inlaid) in gold and silver and the wooden body is inlaid with panels of engraved staghorn. The front scene shows a crowned figure in a chariot being drawn by other crowned figures in a grassy landscape with a walled city behind. The scene represents the Triumph of Fame and is based on engravings by the artist Virgil Solis (1514-1562) of Nuremberg, Germany. The other inlaid ornament - hunting scenes, flowers, fruit and scrollwork - often appear on contemporary English furniture and firearms.
Ownership & Use
Like the pistol and gun that accompany this flask, it would have been an expensive object to buy. Inlaid firearms and flasks reflected the owners' status and were kept as much for display as for use.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Wood, inlaid with engraved staghorn; iron mounts damascened in gold and silver |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | British Galleries:
PISTOL, POWDER FLASK AND MUSKET This beautifully decorated group of weapons was probably made by a craftsman who trained in Northern Europe before settling in England. Such weapons were for display, rather than for battle. The delicate inlay features designs from contemporary Continental prints. The engraved chariot on the powder flask is adapted from an engraving by the German printmaker Virgil Solis (1514-1562).(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Purchased with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund |
| Object history | Made in England |
| Summary | Object Type This powder flask would have been used to carry gunpowder for the Belchamp Hall musket and pistol. The shape is based on powder flasks of flattened cow horn widely used in the second half of the 16th century. A measured quantity of powder was drawn off by using the spring-loaded pivoting cap on the nozzle. Subjects Depicted The iron mounts are damascened (inlaid) in gold and silver and the wooden body is inlaid with panels of engraved staghorn. The front scene shows a crowned figure in a chariot being drawn by other crowned figures in a grassy landscape with a walled city behind. The scene represents the Triumph of Fame and is based on engravings by the artist Virgil Solis (1514-1562) of Nuremberg, Germany. The other inlaid ornament - hunting scenes, flowers, fruit and scrollwork - often appear on contemporary English furniture and firearms. Ownership & Use Like the pistol and gun that accompany this flask, it would have been an expensive object to buy. Inlaid firearms and flasks reflected the owners' status and were kept as much for display as for use. |
| Bibliographic reference | Patterson, Angus, Fashion and Armour in Renaissance Europe: Proud Lookes and Brave Attire, V&A Publishing, London, 2009, ISBN 9781851775811, p. 99, ill. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.950-1983 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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