Antique, possibly Georgian or early Victorian (18th to 19th century) copper flask. This wonderful decorative and very collectable gun powder flask has some age related wear. It is possibly 200 years old !! unfortunately the end piece is missing for pouring the powder into the gun and has been repaired to sides - see pictures ( could possibly be replaced) and I have priced item at the lower end to reflect this. It is still an interesting and tactile item
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16 cm tall
9 cm wide at bottom
3 cm width
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Please note a % of the profit will go to BLESMA the charity for ex service men and women who have lost limbs
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gunpowder flasks—tiny objects with big history 💥
They’re one of those pieces where utility, craftsmanship, and storytelling collide beautifully.
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A brief history of the gunpowder flask
Gunpowder flasks were used from the 16th century through to the late 19th century, designed to carry and dispense measured amounts of black powder for muzzle-loading firearms (pistols, muskets, rifles).
Before cartridges became standard, shooters had to:
1. Pour powder into the barrel
2. Add wadding
3. Load the ball
The flask was essential—and often worn on a belt or bandolier.
By the mid-19th century, flasks became more sophisticated, with:
Spring-loaded cut-off valves
Measured chargers
Decorative bodies reflecting status and taste
Once self-contained cartridges became widespread (c. 1870s–1880s), flasks faded from practical use and became keepsakes, souvenirs, and later, collectibles.
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Common materials & forms
Gunpowder flasks were made from a surprisingly wide range of materials:
Copper & brass – most common, durable, often embossed
Leather – usually stitched over a wooden core
Horn – earlier examples, especially 17th–18th century
Wood – sometimes carved or turned
Papier-mâché – lightweight, Victorian, often japanned
Typical shapes include:
Pear-shaped (very classic)
Nautilus / shell form
Flattened ovals
Figural or shield-shaped
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Decoration & symbolism
This is where they get really interesting for collectors 👀
Popular motifs:
Hunting scenes (stags, hounds, game birds)
Military imagery (cannons, trophies of arms)
Classical figures (gods, warriors)
Eagles, lions, heraldic devices
Floral and foliate designs
American-made flasks often feature eagles, stars, and patriotic imagery, while British and European examples lean toward hunting and classical themes.
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Key gunpowder flask makers (names to look for)
🇬🇧 British makers
James Dixon & Sons (Sheffield) – the big one
Active mid-19th century
Often marked “JAMES DIXON & SONS”
Produced copper, brass, and papier-mâché flasks
G & J.W. Hawksley – high-quality sporting equipment
Sykes
Batty
Hill & Son
🇺🇸 American makers
G. & J.W. Hawksley (exported to US)
E. & A. Thurber
W. & S. Butcher (also Sheffield, but exported heavily)
American Flask & Cap Co. (Massachusetts)
Prideaux & Co.
🇫🇷 / 🇩🇪 European makers
French flasks often unmarked, but beautifully embossed
German & Austrian examples sometimes more austere, functional
⚠️ Many flasks are completely unmarked—this is very normal and does not mean they are reproductions.
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Chargers & mechanisms (important for dating)
Fixed charger – earlier, simple spout
Adjustable charger – later, more refined
Spring cut-off valve – Victorian period onward
A working cut-off valve is a big plus for value.
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Dating guide (very rough but useful)
1700s – horn, wood, simple forms
Early 1800s – copper/brass, plain to lightly decorated
Mid-1800s (Victorian) – highly decorative, embossed, papier-mâché
Late 1800s – souvenir or ceremonial, less functional
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Collector value (ballpark)
Plain, unmarked brass flask: £40–£80
Decorated Victorian flask: £80–£150
Named maker (Dixon, Hawksley): £120–£250+
Rare motifs / military / exceptional condition: £300+
Condition, originality of the charger, and crispness of embossing matter a lot.
