Little is known about this hip flask but you can tell from the wear of the leather and the fact it’s dated 1885-88 that it’s very, very old indeed. Leather bound, this hipflask excluding the cap is made out of glass. The writing is way too faded to read properly, however “an mein Dienstzeit” can be read which roughly translates to “At my Period of Service”.

The front has a cutout in the leather and a picture of a female can be viewed through the glass. Possibly someone’s sweetheart? Through history it’s been common for soldiers to have pictures or mementos from loved ones on their person.

Considering it’s age, and also the main surface material being leather, this piece is in remarkable condition. Only one of the loops for a carrying lanyard has come off, but the other four are in place.The leather is well scuffed but the cap screws on and on as if it was brand new. This piece fits nicely in any serious collectors portfolio because it’s so memorable and quirky. Even if little is known about it’s history, it tells it’s own story.