This rare and elaborately decorated powder flask is pattern 557 in "The Powder Flask Book" by Riling on page 303 and listed as "Hunting He Will Go." The example shown in the book is identified as by James Dixon & Son. Our flask has "C. & J. W. HAWKSLEY/SHEFFIELD" on the cap and has an adjustable spout for 2 1/4 to 3 drams. The spout, cap, and collar are gilt brass. The silver plated copper flask body is divided into quadrants by the tree design rising from the egg and dart ovolo border below the gilt brass collar. The scenes on the neck show a hunter and dog and various game: a hare and fox, fowl, stag and doe, and bird and hares. The lower section of the body has classical Greco-Roman scenes of a partially nude female figure and child. On one side, in one panel they are asleep, and in the other they looking out. On the other side, they are among wheat and a scythe is in the woman's hand in one scene, and in the final scene, they are eating grapes. Riley interpreted the scenes as the hunter's wife and child waiting for him as he is off hunting. The flask is a nice and heavy construction.

Very fine with 90% plus original age darkened silver on the body and 60% of the original gilt finish on the top. The exposed brass and copper also have nice aged patina. The spring remains strong.