Howard Carter's personally-owned set of two Thermos Model No. 15Q flasks, housed in a handsome form-fitting brown leather carrying case. Each Thermos measures approximately 13.5″ tall, 3.5″ in diameter, and features a cork stopper with screw-on teacup-style lid. The leather case, with buckled closure strap/carrying belt, measures 9″ x 13.75″ x 4.75″. In overall fine condition, with expected wear from use, and some scuffing to the leather case. It is easy to envision the parched Egyptologist turning to these Thermoses for some relief from the desert heat.
Provenance: Estate of Howard Carter, Bonhams, June 12, 2012; accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Carter's great-great nephew, Jonathan Carter, certifying the as part of the Howard Carter archive that he inherited. Also include a letter from Thermos Limited, dated August 30, 1979, replying to an inquiry J. E. Carter relative to the canteens: "Those shown in your photographs, coupled with the leather case, are certainly before 1927 since that is the oldest catalogue we have and the flasks, Model 15Q, are certainly pictured in that year's publication. The retail price of the flask at that time was 15/6d."
