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Description: | An incomplete and misshapen cast lead powder flask cap, used for measuring a charge of gunpowder. Seventeenth century date (AD 1600 - AD 1700). Length: 27.5mm, overall width: 28.1mm, and 15.2mm thick. Weight: 19.26g.The cap is squashed and misshapen. Originally it would have been circular or oval in plan (viewed from above). The sides (or walls) would have flared outwards towards the oval or circular mouth (now distorted). The closed end is oval and measures about 20.0mm x 15.5mm. At each end of the closed end, along the major axis, is an integral loop projecting outwards. Both loops are flattened against the walls. There is an indistinct vertical "casting" seam on one of the short sides.This cap, in poor condition, is distorted and fractured. It has a buff patina in places.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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