Priming Flask with Sundial and Compass

Unknown

late 16th century · Brass, gold, silver, steel · Arms and Armor

Small flasks like this one held fine-grained gunpowder for “priming” the wheellock mechanism. This example, fitted with a concealed sundial, exemplifies the ingenious multipurpose weapons and tools that were made for aristocratic huntsmen and collectors of curiosities.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th century

Medium

Brass, gold, silver, steel

Culture

German, probably Nuremberg

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2012