Calling a military rifleman’s powder flask a “peace” flask is a bit of an contradiction, but the raised central motif of clasped hands on either side, initially symbolizing something more along the lines of “fidelity,” was too prominent to ignore for collectors. Robert Dingee had produced powder flasks for riflemen starting in 1832. Ames took over, supplying an improved pattern in 1837 that featured the classic pattern of an American eagle over two clasped hands in a sunburst with a trophy of arms and flags below. Batty, in turn, supplied this slightly different version from 1847 to 1858.

Here is an excellent example of the Batty flask dated 1848, just at the tail end of the Mexican War. The body is excellent, with slightly faded brown lacquer on either side and good detail to the raised motifs, though one side shows just a tad lighter than the other, with a bit more wear to the highpoints from being worn against the body. The seams are good. The spout, spring and thumbpiece are in place and functional. Both triangular carrying loops are there. Batty’s name and date are clearly stamped. There are a few, thin brown age spots to the brass top. This is a very nice example of the regulation rifleman’s flask that would go well with an 1817 Common Rifle, Hall, or even a Mississippi.   [sr]

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