CIRCA 1580-90

Details

A FINE GERMAN (SAXON) HEMI-SPHERICAL PRIMING-FLASK
Circa 1580-90
With pearwood body of strongly domed type, the inner-face plain, the outer surface profusely inlaid with a complex series of finely engraved horn ball-flower tendrils arranged as six interlaced large spirals, four smaller spirals interlaced at the centre, all strung with engraved horn seed-pods, with a matching inlaid border pattern running around the base between cabled lines, fitted with plain bevelled iron top, nozzle with spring-loaded cap, a pair of loops for suspension, and in fine condition throughout.
5 1/8in (13cm)

Provenance

Almost certainly the Electoral Armouries, Dresden.

Literature

Ray Riling, The Powder Flask Book, 1953, p.240, No. 55

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 15% on the buyer's premium

Lot Essay

The sophistication of the inlaid pattern and superior the quality of the workmanship distinguish this example from the majority of its type. A Saxon inlaid cartridge box almost certainly from the same workshop was included in the sale of the Visser Collection. See Sotheby's, The Visser Collection, part 1, 3rd July 1990, lot 176

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