Just two thousand of these flasks were contracted for by James Baker of Philadelphia in 1825 and delivered by 1827. They were for use with military rifles, particularly the common rifle of 1817, though they could be used with the Hall, or older pattern rifles still in service. Producing these copper hollow-bodied flasks was always a challenge and Baker seems not to have made the flasks himself, but subcontracted to a European firm, mostly likely one in England, who had more experience. The body is copper with a raised light infantry or rifleman’s bugle on either side, and the words “PUBLIC PROPERTY” beneath it on one side. Two carrying rings are in place. The supports for the other two are in there, but the rings are missing. The brass collar and spout are in place and the spring is functional. There is one dent on reverse above the bugle. The obverse shows a small dent just under the second “r” of “property.” The flask has been polished bright and will tone down over time, but will still display well with a minty rifle or as an example of “as issued” military gear.  [sr][ph:L]

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