Item ref: 3822
Private collection, Scandinavia
Powder-flasks of this small size were intended to hold the finely milled gunpowder used specifically as the priming charge of a wheel-lock or flintlock firearm, by which means the main charge in the barrel was ignited. As accessories to finely decorated firearms, high quality flasks such as this one were in their own right esteemed as prestige objects in a gentleman’s hunting wardrobe.
The elegance of the design and the fine workmanship inherent in this flask are characteristic of the luxurious gilt-metal wares produced by the goldsmith Hans Peter Oeri of Zurich (1637-92). The styling of the Oeri workshops strongly reflected the spirit of the baroque age in which they were produced. Within his wider range of luxurious works Oeri is particularly noted for his elaborate sword hilts, cutlery, the mounts for belts and sword-carriers, instruments and powder-flasks. An exhibition devoted to the Oeri workshops, entitled ‘Barocker Luxus’, was held at the Schweizerisches Landesmuseum, Zurich, November 1988-June 1989.
Another example of a priming-flask attributed to Oeri, very closely comparable, was formerly in the collection of Dr. & Mrs. Jerome Zwanger, sold Christie’s London, 12 December 2006, lot 159.
A further example, attributed to the late 17th century but of unattributed origin, was formerly in the renowned arms collection of H.L. Visser: see J.P. Puype, The Visser Collection, Volume I, Part 3, cat. no. 647, Zwolle 1996.
Made entirely of gilt-brass and formed of two circular halves. Each face with a concave centre portion encircled by a fluted inner border, the latter enclosing a finely cut concentric pattern of very narrow decorative linear bands each diminishing in a spiral about a stylised rosette at their middle. Fitted with fluted baluster nozzle closed by a pivot spring-cap and with two pairs of rings for a suspension cord. In untouched condition, retaining most of the original fire-gilt finish.