Artillery Implements….Securing the Sponge

[Mbond057]

Greetings to all,

I have researched many articles written on Civil War Artillery. I have discussed this issue many times with artillery reenactors and even some modern day cannon manufactories, but I have never really gotten a solid answer (or documented evidence on the authentic/period correct procedure) on how the sponge/sheep skin on the artillery implements was secured. Everyone seems to be using a different method. I have seen wire, screws, nails, hemp/string, etc. used as a draw string. All seem to work fine but what was the actual period correct way that the sponge was mounted on the implement pole?

Does anyone know the authentic and correct way of how the sponge was properly secured to the implement pole?

[Forquer]

Re: Artillery Implements….Securing the Sponge

Greetings to all,

I have researched many articles written on Civil War Artillery. I have discussed this issue many times with artillery reenactors and even some modern day cannon manufactories, but I have never really gotten a solid answer (or documented evidence on the authentic/period correct procedure) on how the sponge/sheep skin on the artillery implements was secured. Everyone seems to be using a different method. I have seen wire, screws, nails, hemp/string, etc. used as a draw string. All seem to work fine but what was the actual period correct way that the sponge was mounted on the implement pole?

Does anyone know the authentic and correct way of how the sponge was properly secured to the implement pole?

As I responded to the same question on the other forum:

Mark -

Per Mr. Gibbon, himself:

The Artillerist's Manual, page 291

"Sponges are made of a woolen yarn, woven into a warp of hemp or flax-thread, making a tissue about half an inch thick, which is sewed up in the form of a bag, which fits the sponge-head, to which it is fastened with copper nails driven into the inner end of the head, near the staff, a strip of leather being put under heads of the nails to prevent them from tearing out."

[Mbond057]

Re: Artillery Implements….Securing the Sponge

Greg,

Thank you!