A RARE SPANISH/SPANISH-COLONIAL (MEXICAN?)FLINTLOCK MUSKETEER’S POWDER FLASK, ca. 1750: In overall fine condition with some old minor insect damage and expected handling marks. Tapered, cylindrical-form, lightly engraved cow-horn body with a spring operated powder cutoff and its original sheet-steel and brass mounts: retains its original steel belt-clip and its screw-fastened end-cap with matching gunmetal surfaces. The body of classic Spanish/Spanish-Colonial form with smooth, nicely toned and yellowed horn surfaces with extensive, somewhat crude (Spanish Colonial) floral and line engravings overall. The mounts with a generally smooth, untouched, gunmetal age patina and some light surfaces discoloration. Complete with its finely turned and sculpted, brass powder dispenser/spout with its original spring cutoff with nicely detailed arm. Overall a fine and example of these distinct Spanish Military Powder Flasks, carried by Infantrymen, of the mid 18th Century. Overall length, 11 1/2″. A rare form of 18th century Powder Flask/Horn and the type often associated with use in Spanish Colonial America. For a similar example, please see Sydney B. Brinckerhoff’s: “Spanish Military Weapons in Colonial America 1700-1821”, pg. 66, pl. 111 & 112.
Images and description from Paul’s Antique Arms and Armour at: http://www.ambroseantiques.com/hornsflasks.htm