A group of six early and rare Indo-Persian priming flasks, used to load the priming pan of matchlock and flintlock muskets. The beautiful shape of these flasks imitate the form of a bird, recurring decorative features such as the wirework trim suggest they are all of the same workshop, with the exception of the largest. Iran/North India 18th/early 19th century.

I Bronze flask, good condition, moveable spring cap and hanging ring, silvered wire decoration

II All steel flask, robust construction, two hanging rings, good spring action to cap.

III Highly decorated bronze flask, chiselled overall with floral design, spring covering cap, one shaped hanging ring, good condition, some minor denting to body.

IV Bronze flask applied with steel shaped panels, robust construction, steel spring mechanism, end missing, good condition, age wear and minor loss.

V Bronze flask decorated with wirework bands, looped hanging ring, good condition, minor denting and small loss to wire in one place.

VI Larger bronze flask, well chiselled with panels of floral design, long slender tapering ends. Good condition, some damage, hanging ring missing, remains of old label suggesting this piece was once in Manchester Museum.

SOLD