A study on firearms tools

[fernando]

I kept thinking about these ball & buck moulds and, as i had seen one of the kind several months ago in a local dealer, i went back there and bought the thing.
This one is said to be a military version. I wonder if i may date it end XVIII century.
The cavities fit (close to) 15 m/m and 18 m/m bullets (balls) and a 9 m/m buck shot.
The mould itself is rather surdy, made in bronze. The whole device weighs 1,150 Kgs.
I wish Adrian were around to comment on this example; i am sure this is his area, both tool and period, and would be thankful for his input, with all eventual corrections to the above assumptions .
Other members opinions will obviously be welcome

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