The "gimlet" was to be used to remove broken pieces of friction primers from the vent. It could also serve as a priming wire to poke a hole in the powder bag. This one is in very good condition.

This pattern of gimlet features a padded leather thumb stall mounted on the “handle” end. These were used by artillerymen for plugging the vent of a hot cannon barrel when it is swabbed. Blocking the vent prevented air from being sucked into the barrel through the vent hole and reigniting hot embers from the previous shot.

This piece is unmarked.  The overall length is 13”. This implement shows light use. [jet] [ph:L]

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