An unusually early example of characteristic flattened form, tapering slightly to the spout. Wrought entirely of silver, very finely engraved and nielloed overall in delicate tutta motifs. The spring and cutoff lever forged of iron and likewise covered in nielloed silver, the cap retained by a screw and engraved and nielloed en suite. Inscribed in Russian, KAVKAZ (Caucasus) 1848. Retains its silver suspension chain set with 14 nielloed silver beads decorated en suite with the flask Dated 1848 c,e. Overall length 12.1cm/ 4.75”. The first half of the 19th century saw the Imperial Russian invasion of the Caucasus. Indigenous resistance was remarkable, to the degree that those posted to the Army of the South often died there. As a result, survivors were eager to acquire mementos of service in the mountains. This example was made to order for a Russian officer to commemorate his service there. Condition II