Priming Flask

Culture: Dutch
Culture: German
Date: late 17th–early 18th century
Material: Ivory and gilded brass
possibly made in: Netherlands, Europe
possibly made in: Germany, Europe
Classification: Arms & armor, containers, ivories
Collection: Decorative Arts and Design
Current Location: On View, Gallery 138
Dimensions: 4 5/8 x 4 x 1 3/8 in. (11.7 x 10.2 x 3.5 cm)
weight: 5 oz. (0.1 kg)
Credit Line: Museum Purchase
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 121:1924

NOTES

This ornate flask was made to carry finely ground gun powder for the priming of gun locks. The intricate carvings of hunting hounds and game animals locked in mortal combat indicate it was probably used with a hunting rifle.

Provenance

- 1924
Joseph Brummer (d.1947), Paris, France; New York, NY, USA

1924 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Joseph Brummer [1]

Notes:
[1] Invoice from Joseph Brummer, dated July, 1923 [SLAM document files], and Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, November 13, 1924.

We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.