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Description: | An incomplete/damaged cast lead alloy cap for a powder measure of post-Medieval date (1600-1700). The cap was used for measuring a charge of gunpowder. The object is cylindrical in shape with sides flaring to an open end. The integral loops for attachment at the base of the object are still present, although the one loop is broken and pressed to the side.. On one side is a casting seem. There is a hole in one side, probably caused through contact with agricultural machinery. The object has a light grey-brown patina.The diameter of the base is 18.2mm, 24.5mm to the outside of the loops, the diameter at the open end is 21.8mm, The height is 16.2mm from the lower rim to upper edge. It weighs 13.0g.The powder cap is a common find from Civil War sites. They formed the cap to the powder flask which contained enough gunpowder for a single round. The caps were suspended from a bandolier by cord, and the flask was then pulled away from the cap when it was needed. The powder flasks are sometimes refered to as apostles - possibly suggesting they were issued as a dozen (12). The cap probably dates to the mid 17th century (Courtney: 1988)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: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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