Mid-19th Century, Copper and Brass Sporting Powder Flask with Gamebird and Hound Decoration
£120.00
A pleasing Victorian sporting powder flask decorated with classic gamebird and hunting dog scenes, retaining its brass charger and suspension rings with attractive age patina.
*Mid-19th Century, Copper and Brass Sporting Powder Flask with Gamebird and Hound Decoration*
An attractive mid-19th century copper and brass sporting powder flask of traditional pear form, fitted with a brass top mount incorporating the charging spout and spring-operated cut-off lever. The copper body is embossed on both sides with classic Victorian sporting motifs within scrolling decorative borders.
The upper panel depicts a pair of gamebirds standing in a natural landscape setting, while the lower panel shows a hound posed beside fallen game, likely representing a successful day’s shooting. The composition is typical of the decorative sporting scenes found on quality Victorian powder flasks intended for use with muzzle-loading percussion shotguns and fowling pieces.
The flask retains its original triangular suspension rings to either side of the neck for attachment to a shoulder strap or shooting pouch. The brass charger assembly remains in place with the spring lever mechanism still present. The copper body displays a pleasing aged patina with visible wear to the raised decoration, consistent with genuine use in the field.
Approx. Measurements – Height: 16 cm. Width: 7.5 cm.
History Note: Decorated powder flasks of this type were widely used by British sportsmen during the Victorian period when muzzle-loading percussion shotguns were the standard sporting firearm. Copper-bodied flasks were both durable and relatively lightweight, while embossed hunting scenes provided decorative appeal. Many examples were supplied through gunmakers and sporting outfitters in London, Birmingham and Sheffield. The gamebird and hunting dog motif seen here is a classic theme of English sporting art of the period and is frequently encountered on mid-19th century British flasks.
*Condition* The flask shows honest age and use throughout, with rubbing to the raised decoration and scattered areas of dark oxidation and verdigris to the copper surface, particularly around the edges and mounts. The seams appear intact and the body remains structurally sound. The brass top mount and charger spout remain fitted and the spring-operated lever is present. The suspension rings are intact. The mechanism has not been tested with powder. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
