*19th Century, Natural Horn Black Powder Flask with Brass Spring Charger and Leather Suspension Cord*
An attractive and authentic 19th century natural horn black powder flask fitted with a brass spring charger, retaining its original wooden base plug and leather suspension cord. Pieces of this type were commonly carried by sportsmen and hunters during the percussion muzzle-loading era and formed part of the standard shooting equipment used with black powder firearms.
The flask is formed from a naturally curved section of animal horn, displaying pleasing colour variation ranging from pale honey tones to darker brown at the neck. The horn has been carefully shaped and polished, producing the classic curved profile associated with traditional powder horns. The base is closed with a fitted wooden plug secured by a ring of small brass pins set into a brass rim mount.
At the neck the horn is mounted with a brass collar which leads to a cylindrical brass charger. The charger incorporates a spring-loaded measuring mechanism operated by an external lever. This mechanism allowed the user to dispense a consistent pre-measured charge of powder directly into the muzzle of the firearm. The charger retains its original operating lever and thumb pad with concentric ring decoration.
Two small suspension rings are mounted to the sides of the horn and the flask still retains its old leather carrying cord, allowing it to be worn over the shoulder or attached to a shooting bag or belt. The overall form and construction are typical of practical sporting powder flasks used by hunters and civilian shooters during the mid-19th century percussion period.
Approx. Measurements – Overall length: 25 cm. Base: 6.5 × 5 cm.
History Note:
During the percussion era of the early to mid-19th century, shooters carried powder in dedicated flasks rather than directly in bulk containers. Powder flasks were commonly made from copper, brass, leather or natural horn. Horn flasks were particularly favoured for their light weight and durability, and because horn is naturally resistant to sparks.
Spring chargers such as the example fitted to this flask allowed the shooter to measure a consistent powder charge quickly in the field. By depressing the lever, a small internal chamber filled with powder from the flask body; releasing the lever then dispensed the measured charge into the gun barrel. Such flasks were standard equipment for sportsmen using percussion muzzle-loading rifles, fowling pieces and pistols throughout Britain, Europe and North America during the 19th century.
*Condition*
The horn body remains in good original condition with natural surface texture, age patina and attractive colour variation. The wooden base plug is present and secure within the brass rim mount. The brass mounts and charger show an even aged patina with light oxidation and wear consistent with age and use. The spring charger mechanism appears complete but has not been tested and is offered as a collector’s or display piece. The leather suspension cord is original and shows wear and stiffness from age. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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