These two Naval cannon primers are constructed using fowl quills; less likely to corrode around salt water. These are percussion, not friction primers.  In use, these were ignited by the blow from a hammer-lock affixed to the gun, not by pulling a serrated wire through it.

The explosive mixture employed was quite similar to others of the day - mealed musket powder, mercury fulminate and finely ground glass (preferably French leaded glass).  The quills measure approximately 2.25” long.

These relics were once in the Lee’s Headquarters Museum. Accompanying the artifact are documents showing these listed in a 1950s Lee’s HQ inventory journal, and listed on a 2000 auction sheet. Additionally, there is a letter of provenance from Pete Monahan, then owner of Larson’s Quality Inn and Lee’s HQ Museum. [jet][ph:L]

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