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POWDER MEASURE
Unique ID: SOM-D179C1
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Cast lead alloy cap from a Post Medieval powder measure (c. AD 1600-1700). It has straight sides, now squashed inwards with an oval top (also squashed) and an open base. Where the sides meet the top there are were two attachment loops, one on each side. One remains, the other is now lost to patinated breaks. there is a casting seam down one side, a thickened lip around the outerside of the open base and a prominent pellet in the centre of the top. It measures 17.3mm in height, 20.8 by 16.1mm at the top. It weighs 17.02g.
The powder cap is the most common find from Civil War sites, forming the cap to the powder holder or flask. The caps were suspended from a bandolier by cord through the attachment loops, and the flask was then pulled away from the cap when needed. Courtney (1988, pg 2, figure 3) illustrates an almost identical example. See also SOM-5A0707 on this database for one in better condition. The cap probably dates to the 17th century (Courtney, P. 1988, pg 2).
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1600
Date to: Circa AD 1700
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 20.8 mm
Height: 17.3 mm
Width: 16.1 mm
Weight: 17.02 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Thursday 31st October 2013 - Thursday 31st October 2013
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: SCC receipt 22394
Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead Alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Somerset (County)
District: Mendip (District)
To be known as: Stratton on the Fosse
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courtney, P. | 1988 | Small Arms Accessories of the Mid-Seventeenth Century | Finds Research Group 700-1700 Datasheet 11 |
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Timeline of associated dates
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