Improving Artillery Impressions

[Mbond057]

Re: Improving Artillery Impressions

David,

Hello!

I agree with you on the modern material problems with glue and synthetics being used in a hot artillery tube, simply not a good idea.

From the photos you shared it looks like I’m on the right path to making correct artillery sponges. I just need some practice perfecting my period correct construction technique.

I appreciate your help and willingness to share.

[sedlakchristopher]

Re: Improving Artillery Impressions

Here's my original cover.
It was bought from a guy whose dad was hired to clear out Bannerman's Island in the 1950's.
A few of them are taken turned inside out.
You can see that it was one piece and just gathered at the top and on the inside is a piece of cotton? sewed at the point of the gather.
The close ups show the hand stitching as good as I could get them.
I apologize, the digital camera is a new beast for me!
I also did a few close ups to try and show the nature of the material itself.

Hope it helps all!

Chris Sedlak

[Mbond057]

Re: Improving Artillery Impressions

Chris,

Thanks for sharing your original sponge photos with the artillery group. I believe I have the information I need now from Dave and you to step up my craftsmanship on the sponge heads.

I plan to make a few sponge heads in the next weeks or so. When I do complete them I will post photos for you guys to critique.

I do believe this thread and the sharing have also helped others do a more authentic artillery impression.

[Vicksburg Dave]

Re: Improving Artillery Impressions

Thanks Mark,
I look forward to seeing photos of your final product. I may have to try my hand at it so I can have one to show to visitors.

[sedlakchristopher]

Re: Improving Artillery Impressions

Just to CLARIFY Gents,

The photos with the white cotton? patch are the inside of the sponge.
These were taken with the piece turned inside out.
It was not visible from the outside.

Chris Sedlak

[Vicksburg Dave]

Re: Improving Artillery Impressions

Chris,
Any chance that the white fabric may be linen, or are you pretty sure it's cotton. If it is cotton, it seems like a very interesting choice and I would certainly be curious for their reason for using it--probably some little known property that my 21st century mind is unaware of. :) Thanks for sharing the photo with us, while we have not answered all of the question that need to be answered about our branch, we have without a doubt elevated our confusion to a higher plane. :D

[sedlakchristopher]

Re: Improving Artillery Impressions

Dave,

Not sure at all that it is cotton. It VERY WELL may be linen.
After 150 years though and to my untrained eye, my first impression was to call it a cotton. Do we think that linen has a better property for this use than cotton? A fire or ember property? durability?

I also wanted to NOTE one last thing; it is hard to tell without taking it apart and destroying the piece that under the cotton/linen patch there may be some padding, HOWEVER it also may just be the gathers of the folds.

ALSO, the stitching that didn't show up as well as I wanted them to is obviously hand done and spaced quite far apart... maybe 1/8 to 1/4 inch on the side seam and at least 1/4 inch on the patch...
Seems as though a trained person might whip this thing out in 30 mins?

Yes, AGREED... I am at that higher level of confusion every time I learn something new about these boys!

Chris Sedlak

[UnicornForge]

Re: Improving Artillery Impressions

In reference to the sponge heads found in a shop in Gettysburg used as models of authenticity, I would suggest caution in accepting stuff in the stores, and conferences, in Gettysburg as authentic. I have talked to several people who make reproductions who have seen their handiwork being sold as original. Plus my associates and I have seen stuff in Gettysburg shops, including that one, that in our opinions, were obviously and easily proved to not be authentic.

[Mbond057]

Re: Improving Artillery Impressions

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