Skip to product information
18th-Century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
18th-Century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
18th-Century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

18th-Century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask

  • This rare coconut shell "bugbear" gunpowder flask bears an intricately carved scene
  • Soldiers and sailors carved flasks like this one while traveling through the Indies
  • Imagery of a "bugbear," a boogyman-like mythical beast, also appears on the flask
  • Get complete item description here
$8,850
Item No. 31-9747

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
Circa 1780

Richly hand-carved in relief with a genre scene of a burglary, this coconut shell "bugbear" flask would have been used to carry gunpowder. A man with a sword protects a distressed maiden as the burglars attempt to enter the home through the window. The "bugbear," a mythical boogyman-like figure, also appears on the flask, complete with black glass eyes and a stopper "mouth" flanked with lugs for securing chains.. . .
Read More
Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
Circa 1780

Richly hand-carved in relief with a genre scene of a burglary, this coconut shell "bugbear" flask would have been used to carry gunpowder. A man with a sword protects a distressed maiden as the burglars attempt to enter the home through the window. The "bugbear," a mythical boogyman-like figure, also appears on the flask, complete with black glass eyes and a stopper "mouth" flanked with lugs for securing chains.

These flasks are believed to have been carved by soldiers or sailors who had traveled through the East or West Indies, where coconut shells were plentiful. French prisoners of war would also carve these shells with images of fond depictions of life back home.

7 3/4" high x 3 3/4" diameter
Read Less
18th-Century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
Period: 18th Century
Origin: France
Type: Other
Depth: 3.75 in. (9.53 cm)
Width: 3.75 in. (9.53 cm)
Height: 7.75 in. (19.69 cm)
18th-Century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
Ahoy! The Golden Age of Pirates and Maritime Art

Introduction The golden age of pirates—a period most commonly identified as the late 17th and early 18th centuries—has long captivated imaginations and scholarly interest alike. This era is most vividly resurrected through art,...

Read More
18th-Century Bugbear Gunpowder Flask
Wildly Beautiful: Animal Carvings in Antique Furniture

Going back thousands of year, artisans have incorporated animal motifs into furniture pieces. The Egyptians, who believed certain animals were sacred to deities, often carved the legs of chairs and beds to resemble...

Read More
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.