Powder Flask Holster

[Lone Gunman]

I've seen numerous variations of the 'pistol flask holster' available such as:





but, despite some fairly thorough research,  I've been unsuccessful in finding any documentation or references to indicate that these actually existed or were used during the 19th century. Of course I checked Packing Iron first, but various other books specifically on percussion Colts, civil war arms, etc all made no mention of anything to hold a powder flask. I've cross posted this on the Darkside and the Leather Shop since I wasn't sure who would be more likely to have a good lead on the history of these things.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I've seen the flasks with rings on them so they could be worn over the shoulder with straps. I don't know if there was a belt holder for them. Maybe they just got tossed in one's possibles bag. If I run across anything, I'll post it here. Here's a link to some with the rings on them: http://www.ambroseantiques.com/hornsflasks.htm

[Slowhand Bob]

If no one responds with authority soon, you might try a letter or call to Dixie Gun Works.  Years ago they were very helpful with this sort of question and seemed to know everthang about small arms history.  I hope the new way of doing buisiness has not changed them yet.

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[St. George]

The Powder Flask was long used as a 'hunting' accessory, moreso than a military one.

Given the 'wastage' occurring in hapless loading under stress and susceptibility to moisture that loose powder had - the military soon figured out a sturdy combustible paper 'cartridge' and those rounds were carried in pouches fitted with drilled blocks for that purpose.

The civilian hunter used the flask/powderhorn and those were typically carried on a thong or strap - often being fitted with rings - or grooves - for same.

The smaller-sized  'pocket flask' did exist - usually and most often seen in cased sets for the handgun requiring it.

I'd venture to say that rapid reloading of percussion Colts and the like was done using combustible paper loads - as opposed to a flask and loose powder and ball, since by the time those revolvers were making their appearance - those rounds were in common use/issue.

In 1953 - Ray Riling wrote an interesting book on the subject - 'The Powder Flask Book' - and that book is regarded as 'the Bible' as far as collecting those old accouterments is concerned.

It's available - but the price is 'interesting', so I'd recommend being seated.

No mention or illustration of the cute little 'carrier', though.

Given that anything of that sort would've been carried in a 'possibles bag' or 'hunting bag'  and the fact that trouser belts weren't worn at the time - it would seem that the preferred method of carry for the original users was across the shoulder - in some manner.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Major 2]

Powder horns and shot bags, possibles bags even cartridge boxes are common( with wood or tin containers )
Pistol boxes were housing paper & membrane cartridges, not loose powder flasks
( Presentation boxes had flasks ,but more for the charging of piece occasionally, rather than utilitarian day to day use.)

Maybe the reason you don't see them, is the same reason they are not allowed to be carried that way in reenacting ,
The possible (maybe inevitability) of grenading on the belt.


I sorta eckoed what St. George wrote , as we typed at the same time ....

[Doc Neeley]

Many hunters covered their powder horns with leather (see Madison Grant's 'Powder Horns and Their Architecture').
Most likely to keep them quiet when moving through brush.
I've used deer skin on several I've made in the past.
Pocket horns were also used for pistol powder, usually a smaller horn.
This is an example of a leather covered horn.

[Trailrider]

I'd have to agree that the powder flask was little used in the U.S. military by regular troops, especially after the invention and adoption of percussion cap ignition and the need for "rapid" reloads.

I have gone through many collectors' gun shows over the years, examining leather accoutrements, and while I will NEVER say "never", I have not seen an original leather powder flask holder that dated before the mid-TWENTIETH century! Of course, the time that has elapsed since these would have been popular has mitigated against their survival.  I HAVE seen powder flasks with hanger strap rings attached to the flask body for a shoulder strap or thong, although the straps, thongs, etc., were long gone.

While I cannot evaluate the potential for explosion of a powder flask, certainly the possibility exists.  Can't say how much greater or lesser such an explosion potential exists for powder HORNS, either.  Not enough data. Personally, the only powder I've felt safe with in even a small flask was Pyrodex, NOT BP!

Ride careful, pards!

[Griff]

Although this is kinda an "old" thread, it fits quite nicely with my question:

I've wanted a new one, and have had several other C&B shooters ask about where I got mine.

Anyone see anything like this:




Or recognize the mark:

[Dalton Masterson]

Nope, but I have a pattern for one. I made one off of it, and it seems to be a decent holder. Has a leather flap and snap at the top instead of a lace. DM