Images(2)

Dram Flask

Maker Johann Christoph Heyne

Periodca. 1776

MediumPewter

Dimensions4.75 × 4.5 × 2.5 in. (12.1 × 11.4 × 6.4 cm)

InscribedScratched, "1776," "177"

ClassificationsFood Service, Drinking Vessels

Credit LineGift of Miss Mary Rue, 1932

Object number175

DescriptionA pewter flask with a flattened circular body and molded sets of concentric circles on either side. The neck is short and thick, with molded screw threads. One one side of the flask is a scratched star, and on the other a crudely incised monogram, as well as a year "1776" and partial year "177."
Curatorial RemarksThis pewter dram flask is attributed to pewterer Johann Christoph Heyne (1715 - 1781). In 1775, Heyne, along with several other pewterers, were paid for making canteens and other items for riflemen by John Hubley, the commissioner of purchases in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.NotesContinental soldiers were issued a specified amount of rum per day as part of their rations. This small flask is one of a group of similar flasks, including one in the collection of the Winterthur Museum. The flask was originally fitted with a pewter screw cap, and probably fitted into a canvas or other fabric carrying bag or strap assembly.

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