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The Gun
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We have already learned that to prevent erosion of vents metal tubes were introduced in 1697. These were filled with mealed powder dampened with methylated spirits, while the top, formed into a cup, was filled with a mixture of mealed powder, gum and water made into a paste and sprinkled on top with dry powder. This cup was covered with a paper cover which had to be removed before use. Having been inserted in the vent the tube's contents were ignited in the normal manner ( by portefire after 1700).
The tubes worked very well but the Navy complained that fired tubes lying on the decks might injure sailors' bare feet, so in 1778 (change came slowly in those days) adopted tubes made of goose quill. Almost identical in shape and size to the metal variety they worked equally well, but though they saved sailors' feet they did not save gun vents. As the quill burned completely away on firing, vent erosion was as bad as before.
WL Ruffell |
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Page last updated: December 7, 1998