United Kingdom - Military equipment

This nice brass powder flask was manufactured by G. & J.W. Hawksley of Sheffield, England, in the mid-1800s. It is stamped with the company name and functions, though the thumb spring feels a bit loose. The flask contains powder, suggesting it has been used fairly recently, and the charger seals well enough that no powder is dispensed unless the thumb spring is activated. The three small screws or brads that secure the charger to the body are missing. This has not impacted the seal between the charger and the body; it remains very secure, and can not be twisted or removed. The spout/measure is in drams and has four stops: 2 ¾, 2 ½, 2 1/4, and 2. The body of the flask is in good condition, with no dents or dings noted. Based on age and use, the flask is in very good condition. There are two rings for attaching a carry strap on the right and left sides, and they remain securely soldered. The flask measures approximately 8 ¾ inches long, 3 ¼ inches wide, and approximately 1 inch deep.

The embossed motif on the body of the flask is described by Ray Riling in the 1953 reference book, "The Powder Flask Book," on pg. 295. His description is: "geometrical motif with subdued introduction of stylized leaf." A photo numbered 426 on page 298 of the same book shows this flask. I searched the internet for other examples of this flask and could not find one exactly like it. This suggests the flask is becoming hard to find.