1957.23.2

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Details

ID Number

1957.23.2

Category

T&E For Science & Technology

Sub-category

armament T&E - accessory

Item Name

bullet

Materials

METAL, LEAD

Description

lead, grey .1 .50 calibre, round nose, slashed, rifling marks .2 .50 calibre, round nose .3 .50 calibre, round nose, flat disc mounted by stem to bullet base .4 .50 calibre, rifling marks .5 .40 calibre, round nose .6 .50 calibre, round nose, rifling marks .7 .50 calibre, round nose, rifling marks, pointed .8 .44 calibre, rifling marks .9 .50 calibre pointed .10 .22 calibre rounded nose

History

Earliest stage is use of musket flint to ignite powder in pan, then powder in barrel. Powder poured in straight form powder horn, guessing at quantity. Then powder flask introduced, which measured out enough for a charge. Percussion cap eliminated need for unreliable flint for ignition. Paper cartridge contained standardized quantity of powder & paper itself was used as a wad, to keep powder in barrel and patch, to keep ball from rolling out. Paper cartridge used with both flint and cap. At this stage, bullets or balls molded by user, who could also use small stones if he ran out. Paper-jacketed bullet shells a transitional development, on way to completely metallic shell, but this early form also marked introduction on self-contained percussion cap in base of charge. Also made chamber loading possible, so a soldier didn't have to stand up and expose himself to load

Collection Name

Museum Windsor

Subject (Fre)

Y

Subjects

Hunting / Chasse subject

Weapon subject