The US Navy issue powder flask has a beautiful, untouched patina to the brass and the copper, which show uniform, medium aged tones with some darker age spots. Both sides are embossed with a large, vertical, fouled-anchor set over “U.S.N.” in large letters. The spout, cap, thumbpiece and spring are in place and secure. The seams are good. The top flat of the cap is clearly stamped “1845” on one side of the spout and “STIMPSON” on the other, with a small “OHP” inspector’s stamp, matching one placed vertically on the upper body of the flask near the top. The brass carrying rings are in place in the eyelets on the shoulders of the body. The side of the flask with the inspector stamp shows a slight, shallow push next to the left fluke and little thin verdigris next to the right. The other side shows a similar shallow push next to the left fluke and two smaller ones next to the rope and shank on the left. All of these are minor, shallow, simply from period use, and do not detract. Interestingly, the OHP inspection stamp is that of Lt. Oliver H. Perry, Jr., son of the War of 1812 hero.

The U.S. Navy shifted from horn to copper for powder flasks, both for priming cannon and loading small arms, starting in 1842, with contracts let for flasks for small arms starting in 1843, first with Ames, then with Stimpson and George Adams. The flasks were suitable for both the M1842 boxlock navy pistol and the Jenks carbine. It appears that all the Ames flasks were made in 1843, with Stimpson getting a contract in late 1844, with production and delivery taking place all in 1845. George Adams received a contract for 1,200 flasks in 1846 and 1848, apparently in response to 1,200 M1842 pistols contracted for with Henry Deringer, though only about 300 seem to have been delivered.

This is a really nice example that has not been messed with, cleaned, or polished up, showing a patina and use fully consistent with its age and would make a great addition to a US Navy, Navy small arms, or a powder flask collection.  Overall measures 9 ½” x 4”.   [sr][ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!