SPONGE COVER FOR THE 24-POUNDER GUN

SPONGE COVER FOR THE 24-POUNDER GUN

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$95.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2026-9417

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

This is one of just two examples we recently acquired of a postwar US artillery sponge cover made and marked for use with a 24-Pounder Gun. This is made of white canvas with a strap at top for a handle and knotted cord running along the bottom to tighten it over the sponge head of an artillery rammer/sponge staff. The condition is excellent, with no holes or tears, the cord in place and only minor soiling and a few scattered thin stains. One side is boldly stenciled in black, “U.S. / 24 PDR. / GUN.” Please see our photos.

The smoothbore 24-Pounder Gun had a 5.82-inch bore, meaning that it packed a punch.  By the time of the Civil War it was regarded as too heavy for service in a light artillery battery, but saw action in fortifications and in siege service firing shot, shell and canister, and remained in the army’s inventory for some time after the war. Sponge covers were necessary to protect the fabric sponge fixed to one end of the rammer/sponge staff and a key safety element in serving the gun, the sponge being wet in water from the sponge bucket positioned on the ground near the muzzle of the gun, and used, in conjunction with another crewman closing the gun’s vent with a thumbstall, to extinguish any sparks or flaming debris left from a previous round before inserting and ramming home the next round with its attached propellant charge shielded only by a cloth bag. Needless to say, a premature discharge could be devasting and well-coordinated and endlessly practiced drill by the gun crew was essential to properly executing every movement and procedure.

This comes from the artillery section of a large and well-respected collection, much of which was obtained directly from Bannerman’s island or their Blue Point Long Island operation.  [sr] [ph:L]

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