Artillery Implements

Continuing tonight, with the focus on artillery we will look at some of the necessary implements.

#1 The Sponge Rammer - used to sponge out the bore after firing and to ram the load.  The staff and rammer head are made of ash.  The sponge head made of poplar or elm.  The sponge is made of shearling or Brussels carpet.

#2 The Worm - used to remove any debris from the previous firing.  The staff was made from ash, and the worm from iron.

#3 The Sponge Bucket - made of iron with a tarred interior.

#4 The Tube Pouch - a leather pouch that held the friction primers, lanyard, thumbstall, priming ware and gimlet.

#5 The Thumbstall - made of leather and filled with horsehair.  Use to protect against the heat when venting the gun.

#6 Priming Wire - made from brass

#7 The Lanyard - used to ignite the gunpowder.  They are made from cord, with a wooden handle and an iron hook.

#8 The Gunner's Haversack - these are made of leather and are used to carry the black powder charge from the limber to the piece.

#9 The Trail Handspike - made of hickory or oak.