A group of three (3) rare powder flasks, including an unusual U.S. Life Saving Service example and a very early issue of a Stimpson Contract U.S. Navy flask. Items include: 

1. US Life Saving Service brass powder flask. New York: Walton Bros., n.d. Three (of four) original carrying rings. Stamped "U.S.L.S.S." to both sides. Maker stamped to spout. 4 1/2 x 1 7/8 x 10 3/8 in.

The United States Life-Saving Service was a government agency that emerged from various private and local efforts to rescue the victims of shipwrecks. With the signing of the Newell Act on 14 August 1848, the Federal government began providing funding for what were decidedly still local efforts. The Service began to greatly expand in the 1870s, extending both the range of its stations and operations. In 1915, the Service was merged with the Revenue Cutter Service to create the United States Coast Guard. 

An unusual powder flask from one of the Coast Guard's precursor organizations. 

2. Stimpson Contract United States Navy 'Fouled-Anchor' brass and copper powder flask. N.p.: Stimpson, 1844. Stamped "STIMPSON / 1844" at flat of the cap. 4 3/8 x 2 1/8 x 9 in.

A scarce US Navy issue powder flask featuring an untouched patina, embossed with a fouled anchor and the legend "U.S.N." on both sides. The Navy transitioned from horn to copper powder flasks beginning in 1842, with contracts in 1843 to Ames, and then to Stimpson in late 1844. Stamped 1844, this example is one of the earliest manufactured by Stimpson. 

A rare, early example of a desirable Navy flask. 

3. Copper powder flask with eagle motif. 1 11/16 x 1 x 4 1/4 in.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate]  [Relics, Militaria, Accouterment, Equipment, Uniforms]