Serious about Persian saddle flasks

[kungfufighter]

Allegedly, Marlena aka blueglass1 has the bottle that was given to the Queen. I'd like to see a pick of that, with the museum documentation. THAT would be some real evidence.

Really Jim? Not for me. Granny labels can be great fun and at times informative (if penned by Nina Fletcher Little, Lura Woodside Watkins, et al) but I have seen many such labels with obviously incorrect information and others that are simply faked. I'm of the opinion that one should always look at the object first and consider any ancillary information second. That's not to say that I necessarily discredit provenance, simply that one should primarily consider the object itself. Major publications by museum related authors (Barlow, Hunter and Barrett to name a few) contain numerous errors and some outright fabrications. Again, not questioning anyone or any specific object, simply saying that the written word alone, even with museum documentation is not necessarily the end all be all.

For what it's worth, I agree with Marlena and others that there is a clear distinction between to the so-called Persian saddle bottles (which I do think are "antiques") and the novelty junk that was at one time sold as "boarding weapons."

 

[cyberdigger]

Yes I am serious. Not saying we can't be jokers, but no potty mouth and no personal put-downs is all.. the fact is, whether everyone likes it or not, these bottles are around and some people collect them. It would be embarrassing if every time someone came along with a question or comment about them, we collectively jump on it and trash the thread. We don't all need to like or admire all types of bottles, but there should not be selective intolerance on this forum. Nuff said.

 

[kungfufighter]

Yes I am serious. Not saying we can't be jokers, but no potty mouth and no personal put-downs is all.. the fact is, whether everyone likes it or not, these bottles are around and some people collect them. It would be embarrassing if every time someone came along with a question or comment about them, we collectively jump on it and trash the thread. We don't all need to like or admire all types of bottles, but there should not be selective intolerance on this forum. Nuff said.

Well said Charlie!

 

[TJSJHART]

Well Charlie knows how to say it when it needs to be said..enough said....[]

 

[cyberdigger]

Who da man!?

Know what? that long, weird thread that got kaputt-skied yesterday was enough to make me appreciate these more now.. tho I still have never seen one in person.. at least when I do encounter one, I will know everything there is to know about it already...

 

[whiskeyman]

INFO:
Hi. I recently purchased a saddle flask, supposedly antique and of Asian > > origin. I am trying to find an authority on this subject so that I might > > better understand the origin of this piece. I am wondering if you might > > be able to point me in the direction of such a person. > > > > I would be happy to send digital photographs if necessary. > > > > Thanks in advance for your consideration > > > > Tom Pesacreta

These so-called Persian Saddle Flasks have an obscure history. Not much has been written about them. There was some debate as to whether these were ever produced in America. One was found in a grave dating 1814. In general, these bottles date from the 17th and 18th century. Some were certainly used as saddle flasks. They are surprisingly common. Most, like yours, are crude and beautifully colored. Digger



http://www.glasskisser.com/REPROS.html



http://www.cosbert.com/decanters_flasks.html


Saddle Flask c.1700

Origin: Persian

Colour: Emerald green

Dimensions: Height 9.00in Body Width 7.5in Base Width 4.0 inches

Lip: Applied string rim/pouring lip

Base: Kick-up blowpipe pontil scar

Source: London. England

Condition: Excellent. Typical surface wear

Special features:
These saddle flasks with applied neck-rings and blowpipe pontil scar are usually attributed to Persia but could also be from Austria.



http://www.thepriceguide.com.au/index.cfm/item/22725-turquoise-green-glass-persian-saddle-flask-free-blown-form-with/



http://www.mapleleafauctions.com/Auction25/111-120.html

113 Early Saddle Flask.

This is an early Persian saddle flask in a great teal colour. Thought by some to be products of the 1700s. Given the number which survive, it is likely these had a long production. This example is excellent. No chips or cracks. Huge nasty pontil! A nice crude coloured flask.

Opening Bid: $50
Estimated Range: $60-100

Sold for $120.




http://www.bottleauctions.com/news/naval-deck-sweeper-and-naval-boarding-weapon/

http://reviews.ebay.com/FAKE-DECK-SWEEPERS_W0QQugidZ10000000002803892

 

[whiskeyman]

as can be plainly seen: the Persian saddle flasks and deck sweepers/boarding weapons have nothing in common...
The saddle flasks have a history, according to one site (Digger O'Dell's) dating back to at least 1814. The deck sweepers/boarding weapons are about 2-3 years old.

 

[whiskeyman]

This seems authentic to me>

 

[whiskeyman]

the next pix are suspect/suspicious as they resemble the Persian flasks...resemble.

 

[whiskeyman]

boarding weapon/deck sweeper