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From the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries, gunpowder was carried in flasks. In the early 18th century, the cartridge, containing both powder and shot, replaced the powder flask in the military; however; the flask remained in use among sportsmen and some militia. Certain weapons, such as early rifles and breechloaders, also required the use of flasks.
It was common to carry two flasks, one for propellent and one for a finer, more expensive priming powder. The priming flask was usually smaller, since it took less powder to prime than it took to fire.
Powder flasks were often made of wood, leather, or metal, but the most common material in the 18th century was cow horn, which was inexpensive and readily available. The Revolutionary period is known for its ornately engraved powder horns.
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