Priming Flask

Unknown

late 16th century · Wood, steel, silver · Arms and Armor

Priming flasks contained very finely ground gunpowder used to prime the pan of the lock. This flask has a walnut body and steel mounts etched with foliate sprays, and is decorated at its center with a circular silver plate etched with a strapwork design. It probably originally accompanied a pair of pistols with stocks that were similarly embellished.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th century

Medium

Wood, steel, silver

Culture

German, probably Saxony

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of George D. Pratt, 1929