This is another great piece
being offered, it is a maker-marked Civil War flask. It is made of
copper/brass and measures 8” x 2 1/2”. It was made by The American Flask
and Cap Co. and their name is engraved near the spout “AM FLASK &
CAP CO”. They started their business in New York City in 1857 and
continued throughout the Civil War.
By the 1860s, flask making was
an increasingly industrialized process. Because of the increased
demand, factories like the one owned by the American Flask & Cap Co.
mass produced thousands of powder flasks for hunters and the military.
Usually hunter examples had ornate designs, while the military preferred
plain flasks, such as this one. The company also put out a catalog
which allowed customers to order from a variety of styles and sizes.
This flask is in nice
condition and has a beautiful untouched patina. As expected, there are
small dings, and the spring is missing, but this shows that it seen use through its lifetime.
Powder flasks and parts of flasks have been a common find at Civil War
sites for many years. This one is about as nice as they come.
