In the vast silver collection of London's Victoria & Albert Museum is a spirits flask that belonged to the duke in my novel. It was made for him around the time that he was fighting in Hungary and was distinguished by his heroism at the Siege of Belgrade. The silversmith who created it engraved the ducal arms, granted by King Charles II.
The crest, showing the bar sinister, evidence of illegitmacy. The duke was one of the King's many bastard sons.
Engraved on the other side of the flask is the duke's monogram set beneath a ducal coronet.
The flask has three pieces. The stopper, the vessel that held the spirits, and the detachable drinking cup.
This luxurious accessory surely accompanied His Grace on many an interesting adventure.