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18th-century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
18th-century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
18th-century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
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18th-century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask

  • This rare coconut shell "bugbear" gunpowder flask bears an intricately carved scene
  • Soldiers and sailors carved flasks like this one while traveling through the Indies
  • Imagery of a "bugbear," a boogyman-like mythical beast, also appears on the flask
  • Get complete item description here
$8,850
Item No. 31-9747

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Description
Richly hand-carved in relief with a genre scene of a burglary, this coconut shell "bugbear" flask would have been used to carry gunpowder. A man with a sword protects a distressed maiden as the burglars attempt to enter the home through the window. The "bugbear," a mythical boogyman-like figure, appears on the flask, complete with black glass eyes and a stopper "mouth" flanked with lugs for securing chains.

These flasks are believed to have. . .
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Richly hand-carved in relief with a genre scene of a burglary, this coconut shell "bugbear" flask would have been used to carry gunpowder. A man with a sword protects a distressed maiden as the burglars attempt to enter the home through the window. The "bugbear," a mythical boogyman-like figure, appears on the flask, complete with black glass eyes and a stopper "mouth" flanked with lugs for securing chains.

These flasks are believed to have been carved by soldiers or sailors who had traveled through the East or West Indies, where carvable coconut shells were plentiful. French prisoners of war would also carve these shells with images of fond depictions of life back home.

Circa 1780

7 3/4" high x 3 3/4" diameter
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18th-century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
Period: 18th Century
Origin: France
Type: Other
Depth: 3.75 in. (9.53 cm)
Width: 3.75 in. (9.53 cm)
Height: 7.75 in. (19.69 cm)
18th-century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
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Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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