*British, Victorian c.1850–1881, Copper & Brass Black Powder Flask with Applied 96th Regiment of Foot Badge*
A scarce and highly decorative Victorian British black powder flask constructed from copper with brass mounts and displaying an applied crowned garter badge of the 96th Regiment of Foot to the front. Retaining an attractive untouched age patina together with its original sprung brass charger top, this is an excellent example of a mid-19th century military or volunteer-pattern powder flask associated with one of the British Army’s lesser-seen infantry regiments.
The front is mounted with a brass regimental device comprising a crowned garter surrounding the number “96”, together with the motto “Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense” — the motto of the Order of the Garter translating as “Shame on him who thinks evil of it.” The badge is surmounted by a Victorian Queen’s Crown, placing the piece firmly within the reign of Queen Victoria and the active service period of the 96th Regiment of Foot prior to the Childers Reforms of 1881.
The flask follows the classic British officer or sporting form, with a teardrop-shaped copper body and heavy brass collar fitted with a spring-loaded patented dispensing nozzle, the charger cap stamped “PATENT.” This mechanism was designed to dispense measured quantities of black powder safely and efficiently for percussion pistols, rifles, muskets, and sporting guns. The interior remains hollow and shows remnants of historic black powder residue from period use.
Approx. Measurements – Height: 20 cm. Width at widest point: 8.5 cm.
History Note:
The 96th Regiment of Foot was raised in 1824 and served extensively across the British Empire during the Victorian period, including deployments to India, Australia, and New Zealand. During the mid-19th century it was common for officers, volunteers, and sporting shooters to privately purchase personalised powder flasks bearing regimental devices, making surviving identified examples considerably scarcer than plain commercial flasks.
*Condition*
Good untouched antique condition overall with pleasing age patina throughout. The copper body displays honest service wear, age-related marks, shallow dents, and dark spotting consistent with long-term use. The brass badge retains strong definition with attractive verdigris around the applied fittings. The sprung charger mechanism remains present, and the top retains its “PATENT” marking. Interior shows residue from historic black powder storage and use. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMHOXAFO_8499243374
