US NAVY 24-POUNDER SHELL RING GAUGE

US NAVY 24-POUNDER SHELL RING GAUGE

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$695.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2026-9337

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To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
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These simple iron ring gauges allowed for quick inspection and sorting of shot and shell by size, something of critical importance to a gun crew and a large task given the huge stacks of cannonballs seen in some photographs of ordnance yards. This one was to determine or confirm shells for 24-pounder guns and is clearly stamped on the lower part of the ring on one side: “24 PDR LARGE SHELL . GAUGE. 5.70” and on the other: NAVY ORD. YARD / WASHINGTON / 1866 / W.R.T / [anchor.] The metal is smooth, a muted silver gray in color with a few darker stains, but no pitting, and the stamping is very clear. The bulbous wood handle is still in place with a brass ferrule at the top, both with a nice patina. On one side just above the handle, in addition to the weight of shot fired by the gun, giving it it’s usual designation, is the diameter of the shell given in inches. The other side bears US Navy property mark of an anchor stamp, along with the specific location, inspector’s initials, and date. The 1866 date indicates how large the navy’s job was of sorting through ordnance left over from Civil War, but that naval and coastal guns might still be brought into use against foreign threats. This is in nice condition and displays well with the markings clear and the wood grip still in place over the iron tang of the ring.   [sr][ph:L]

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