Portfires were used to light cannon aboard the wooden deck of a ship.  The portfire itself is similar to a flare. They were a composition of niter, sulphur and mealed powder driven into a case of strong paper. A full-length portfire could burn for about ten minutes and could not be extinguished by water. Portfires were used from the mid- 1600’s up through the Civil War. During the Civil War it was a backup option to igniting a cannon, usually during wet conditions.

Measures 12 ¼” long.

Note: Shipment by UPS required; $15.00 UPS east of the Mississippi, $20.00 west of the Mississippi.

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