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Description: | Incomplete but squashed lead powder flask cap, used for measuring a charge of gunpowder. Probably seventeenth century date (AD 1600 - AD 1700). Length 19.5mm, width 28.2mm and 16.4mm thick. Weight 18.07g. The cap contained consolidated soil when measured.One side of the mouth is bent inwards so that it makes contact with its opposite side. The attachment loops are damaged and only their residual stubs survive. The cap, prior to being deformed, would have had an oval "base" and an oval mouth. Viewed with the mouth at the top, the sides flare gently outwards and upwards from the base. At the base, the residual stubs of the two integral loops project either side. There is a vertical casting seam on each side and the mouth has a raised rim. The piece appears to be in fair condition. The loops enabled the cap to be attached separately to the bandolier (belt) of the wearer so that they could be removed without the possibility of being dropped and lost. The cap would have been part of a powder-charger or powder-holder, a small flask holding enough powder for a complete charge for the weapon. A series of these holders were attached to the bandolier. For information on small arms accessories of the seventeenth century, see: Courtney, P. 1988. "Small Arms Accessories of the Mid-Seventeenth Century". Finds Research Group 700 - 1700.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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