Flask, age?

[BagLady]

I've had this flask for 15 years. I paid $5 at a yard sale.
Can anyone tell me how old it is?
View attachment 1130628View attachment 1130629View attachment 1130630

 

[BagLady]

I guess I need the lip picture too. Btw, it's 9 1/4" tall.View attachment 1130631

 

[luvsdux]

Not having it in hand to examine closely I'm not able to compare it to my book on historical flasks. That said, by the appearance in the pictures, I'm thinking you made a very good purchase for $5.00. It has a pontil, great color and looks to be in great shape.
luvsdux

 

[epackage]

1970-80's repro, decorator value of $5-10 is about right

 

[Bass]

Likely a Pier 1 piece

 

[Mr Ripley]

Has that Wheaton look and color, but l agree with Bass and epackage on this. Probably an import.

That being said, I would have paid $5. ☺️

Mr R

 

[Bass]

It does look like it could be the Wheaton but the bottom portion of the flask isn't as large as it needs to be. I was leaning toward Wheaton when it was first posted but the more I look at it the more I'm convinced that it's not. Could be wrong but I'ma stickin to my guns.

 

[Bass]

Here's a picture of various shades of Wheatons. Can anyone see the difference?
Yes, no, maybe? Look closely

 

[Bass]

And one more thought, I believe the Wheaton pieces are embossed on the bottom.

 

[Mr Ripley]

And one more thought, I believe the Wheaton pieces are embossed on the bottom.

Yes, I believe you are right.

 

[BagLady]

Here's a picture of various shades of Wheatons. Can anyone see the difference?View attachment 1130774
Yes, no, maybe? Look closely

I'm not seeing the difference. I measured the base across the middle, it measures right at 5".
The color is a bit lighter in my picture, but then all photos are different, ie; light, flash, etc.
So, how do I find out for sure? And what age would it be if it were a "Wheaton"?

 

[gleaner1]

Its got the tell tale purple of a repro. The Wheatons are machine made and have an incuse molded fake "pontil". The bot in question has no embossed lettering at the base like the wheatons, and looks like it has a real bona fide genuine sharp edged pontil, but it's hard to tell from the pic. BagLady, can you post a bigger clear close-up of the bottom of this bot?

 

[BagLady]

Maybe this is better?View attachment 1131293 View attachment 1131294
The "Pontil mark" is raised. There is no writing on the bottom. The only writing is the word, "Union" under the clasped hands.

And thanks for all the reply's.

 

[gleaner1]

Okay, its clear that it is not a real pontil scar, its a newer "repro" piece, no more than forty years old. It looks like Wheaton to me but I really dont know for sure. I will try to post some of my wheatons to compare.

 

[BagLady]

Okay, its clear that it is not a real pontil scar, its a newer "repro" piece, no more than forty years old. It looks like Wheaton to me but I really dont know for sure. I will try to post some of my wheatons to compare.

Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time.

 

[Bass]

BagLady. Your flask could be one of these three: 1. An original union dove flask. 2. A Wheaton repro 3. A later repro....the color is not right for it to be an original, and neither is the pontil scar. There would also be 150 years of wear on the bottom of the flask. The wheaton's were the first reproductions and they also have some value. Some of the union dove flasks made by Wheaton are embossed on the bottom. I don't believe yours to be a Wheaton either . The 3rd possibility is for the flask to be a later repro. The color and the the fact that it's not a real pontil scar places your flask in this category.

 

[BagLady]

BagLady. Your flask could be one of these three: 1. An original union dove flask. 2. A Wheaton repro 3. A later repro....the color is not right for it to be an original, and neither is the pontil scar. There would also be 150 years of wear on the bottom of the flask. The wheaton's were the first reproductions and they also have some value. Some of the union dove flasks made by Wheaton are embossed on the bottom. I don't believe yours to be a Wheaton either . The 3rd possibility is for the flask to be a later repro. The color and the the fact that it's not a real pontil scar places your flask in this category.

Thank you for an explanation I can understand. I guess I'll stick a candle in it.

 

[Bass]

Hey, if you like it that's all that matters