Powder Measure
Description
A metal vessel. Handle is curved and fixed to upper half of vessel. Spout is not pronounced (rounded).
This powder measure would have been used in combination with a powder scoop and a funnel to accurately fill cartridges for the great guns. These were usually made of copper, wood or any other non-sparking material which was a critical requirement for all tools used in the highly dangerous environments of the ship’s magazine and powder room. Exact measures like this one were critical in ensuring consistent filling. In the heat of battle the ship’s Gunner was expected to keep up a steady flow of cartridges to the gun crews. Each cartridge had to be filled to the correct level. Too little powder would cause an ineffective shot or no shot at all, while too much powder could cause an explosion in the barrel.
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Object Detail
Diameter: 142mm (5 9/16")