Gun powder measurer ... Islamic ?

[fernando]

Anyone ever seen one of these ?
I was told this is Islamic, XIX century.
Islamic is very vague for a provenance.
Coments will be so much welcome.
Fernando

[Jim McDougall]

You've done it again Fernando! where in the world do you find these unbelievably interesting items? I never thought much about measuring devices for powder, but of course they must have been important, otherwise you'd blow the gun to pieces with a mischarge. I guess it probably happened more than we have heard though.
The interesting hourglass geometrics, very much like similar on the flyssa motif. Possibly Berber, or in the Maghreb. Possibly referenced in either Islamic firearms by Elgood or maybe in the Tirri book?

All the best,
Jim

[kahnjar1]

Definately a powder measure judging by the adjustable internal slide. I have seen a lot of items described as "Islamic". A faily safe description in my mind as it covers a VERY large area. I have to say it is nice to see an increase in the firearms side of Ethnographic weapons. Might have to put up a few bits and pieces myself when I get the time.
Regards Stuart

[ward]

Mainly you see these out afghanistan and some out of turkey. The brass ones are usually of a late period. When I get some time I will shot some pics of various examples of these powder measures.

[fernando]

Hi Jim,
You're right; in the very beginning there were more mischarges than successfull shots. Either i dreamed or have read that the guys chosen to handle fire weapons, namely cannons, were convicts and the like, such was the probabilty that the things bursted or fired back.
If you think this example i posted is something interesting, wait untill Ward comes up with his material

Hi Stuart,
I now Islam is a vast universe, but still is a reference; when you don't have a dog, you hunt with a cat .

Hi Ward,
Thanks for the info on the provenances; i hope that by "late period" you don't mean 20th century ... i will cry
I will be anxiously expecting pictures of your examples.
Fernando

[ward]

here are a couple of powder measures and some with ammunition belts. The pic with 2 measures the top is early turkish mostly likely 17th century. The lower piece typical afghan and the belts are also afghan. Iron is harder to work than brass. You must member there were 3 major afghan wars the 2nd in 1890's and the 3rd in 1919. General rule is that powder was more refined later and smaller amounts could be used so the measures were smaller. Much of the moro armor you see was used against McCarthur in the early part of the the 20th century, The afghans were still using Jezails thru the 1980's, The vietnamese were still using flintlocks in the 1960-1970's. Late is not bad as log as it is put in perspective and context. I am not saying tourist or religous recreations pieces are the way to go, but well made indegous pieces are worthwhile whether they were made in the 16th century or 20th

[ward]

here are some various bullet moulds 1st one is stone and was collected in a cave in the atlas mountains in morroco. 2nd in eastern european out of albania.

[ward]

Here is a indian version script on the one inside handle of 1 side on the other a file to smooth the ball after casting

[ward]

afghan gang iron bullet mould

[Dajak]

Just found one yesterday are there any books about these items?

Dajak

[mahratt]

Originally Posted by Dajak

Just found one yesterday are there any books about these items?

Dajak

Congratulations! Good powder measure. I think from Afghanistan or Persia

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

For excellent examples of Arabian bullet molds powder measures etc please see http://omanisilver.com/contents/en-u...Matchlock.html