This thin, long cylindrical accoutrement is another common artillery tool used by Civil War artillerymen for removing plugs, broken friction primers and other residue from the tube vent when preparing to fire an artillery field piece.  Sometimes called a vent pick, this iron gimlet is similar to artillery probe or vent and has a 21½” length overall topped with a 2¼” diameter looped handle. Made for use with the large, heavy 12” siege guns.  Clearly visible at the gimlet’s upper end beneath the loop handle is the stamping “WATERVLIET U.S.  12’’ M” in small letters / numerals.  The point of the gimlet has a spiraled ‘drill bit’ style tip some 2” long with a tight threaded, tapered tip.   All metal surface has a light rust coating that is hard and smooth.   [ra]

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