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Description: | An incomplete and misshapen lead powder flask cap, used for measuring a charge of gunpowder. Seventeenth century date (AD 1600 - AD 1700). Length 27.0mm, overall width 30.0mm, and 15.0mm thick. Weight 20.53g. The cap is squashed and misshapen. Originally it would have been circular or oval in plan (viewed from above). The comparatively thin sides (or walls) would have flared outwards towards the oval or circular mouth (now distorted). The closed end is oval and measures about 18.0mm x 15.0mm. At each end of the closed end, along the major axis, is an integral loop projecting outwards. One of these loops is incomplete. There is a vertical "casting" seam on one of the short sides. The opposite side is fractured.This cap, in poor condition, is distorted and fractured. It has a buff patina which, in places, is covered with a secondary mid-brown patina. 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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