December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2023
This pewter saddle flask with leather carrying case comes from the renowned Dr. John K. Lattimer collection and carries a very old ink tag reading, “This is a saddle flask of Thomas Jefferson I have a letter from his grand-daughter certifying to its genuineness. R.B. B[. .]nchard.” We have not identified the writer, though it is possible further information may yet surface in the Lattimer papers. The flask is pewter, 9 - 3/4" tall, tapering from the base, about 2" wide, to the top of small screw cap 7/8" in diameter. The bottom 2 - 1/2" of the flask is slightly rebated, indicating a drinking cup likely slid over it. The bottom of the flask is clearly stamped, “JAMES DIXON / & SONS / 50.” That firm was established in 1806 and specialized in pewterware, electroplated Britannia metal and nickel silver, and silverware. They are well known for their hollowware. Collectors will be familiar with their powder flasks, but they made a wide variety of domestic products. The carrying case is brown leather, about 10" overall and form-fitted to receive the flask upside down, with a leather cap hinged on the reverse next to a vertical seam and secured by fastening tab and small iron buckle. 2 narrow strap loops are in place on the reverse for attachment to a saddle. CONDITION: Very good. The flask is free of dents. The screw cap is present. The removable cup is missing. The carrying case is very good, with tight seam and only minor rubs and finish loss to the body. The top shows more abrasions and some finish loss from use, with the hinge broken and end of the latch tab missing. At Jefferson’s death in 1826 the estate was deeply in debt, compelling several sales of possessions and holdings, most notably an auction of the contents of Monticello and Poplar Forrest in January 1827, which included Monticello’s enslaved workers, and ultimately the sale of the house in 1831. It is very likely the flask was acquired in the 1827 auction with the referenced letter of authenticity from one of Jefferson’s granddaughters an added enticement in the bidding.
Item Dimensions: L: 11"