Perhaps a German Hunting Flask?

[owendobson]

Hello All,

I would be grateful for any thoughts/opinions on what this item might have been used for? Also, what period it might belong to and what it's country of origin might be?

It tests as around 800 silver, but is sadly not hallmarked. The monograms appear to be in gold, but I have not tested them. Stylistically, my thoughts centre on the German Sates circa 18th century and (given it's handy 'pocket size') I wonder if it was intended as some sort of hunting flask...not sure why, other than the engraved rabbit/hare??? Other uses, perhaps some sort of medical 'stuff' (given the snake and staff engraving...which I believe has medical connotations)??? Perhaps a marriage gift (given the pair of monograms)???

Anyway, over to you!

Owen

[Granmaa]

Hi,

I can't suggest anything which you haven't come up with yourself. Probably belonged to a doctor, surname beginning with U.

Miles

[owendobson]

Thanks Miles - this is a case of many heads are better than one (well, better than mine!).

I have also posted it on a militaria forum I belong to and someone there (agreeing it was likely to be circa 18th century German) thought it might have been used by a hunter to keep his cartridges in/dry.

There was also a view that the chain (because of the style of the links) might be later i.e. 19th century...not sure what anyone thinks of this?

I guess we may never know what it really was used for...

Thanks again, Owen