Table Of Fire & Friction Primers

[artillerybuff]

Gentlemen,

I am looking to perfect our Table of Fire in each of our ammo boxes. I have replicated the actual Tables with correct font style and content, but does any one have detailed information on actual width and length, as well as type of paper or card stock used? Did they actually glue them on the inside of the box lid, or use other means such as nails or tacks? Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. My desire is to recreate exact duplicates of the originals for use in Field Artillery pieces. I believe we are very close, but we want them right on.

We have also replicated the actual friction primer packaging using an original from C.S. Laboratory, RICHMOND ARSENAL, and would like to do the same with US packaging, but I do not have a source.

Thank you very much for your assistance.


2nd. Lt. Anthony A. Variz
Battery D 5th US

[Jimmayo]

Re: Table Of Fire & Friction Primers

Does this help? Measurments are 1 & 13/32 H, 2 & 1/4 L, 3/4 W

[Mbond057]

Re: Table Of Fire & Friction Primers

Tony,

Good afternoon!

I have not been able to find the information you are seeking. I have talked with Steen Cannons, Paulson Brothers, and two separate history professors previously trying to find the period correct way this was done.

Here is what I have done for my Prairie Limber Ammo Boxes for the Mountain Howitzer Table of Fire in lack of finding or having the correct information.

I used generic copier paper. I changed the color background to a yellowish tan. I then printed out the copy. I then laid it in the sun to dry and I squirted the MH Table of Fire with a light coat of water and let the AZ sun dry the paper. It gave the paper a rustic look as it just came out of a campaign. I then glued the MH Table of Fire to the inside lid of the Ammo Box.

The Prairie Limber Ammo boxes are smaller so I just proportioned the Table of Fire to fit.

I hope this helps until we find the correct way the Table of Fire was created and mounted.

[artillerybuff]

Re: Table Of Fire & Friction Primers

Jim, thanks for the US Friction Primer info. Looks like a small wooden box of 5 primers with a label from the Frankford Arsenal? I believe I will try to replicate some of those. Also checked out your web-site, very cool indeed.

Mark, nice effort on the Table of Fire.

I would still love to have more specific & detailed information on the orginal size and paper used for a field piece if anybody knows. I have a wide format color lazer printer capable of handling from 20 to 145 lb. paper, so I can print out just about any size required, just need the specs. The ones I am using now are probably fine, and better than most I have seen, but I am trying to fine tune the little details to be as exact as humanly possible.

Thank you very much~

Anthony A. Variz

[1stMaine]

Re: Table Of Fire & Friction Primers

Comrade,

Go here for time fuze packs as well:

http://www.cw1861.com/fuzes.htm

Scroll down to the bottom. He has several packs of originals. You'll note that they are also color coded by time, etc. Also shows an open pack from the top.

Respects,

[Jimmayo]

Re: Table Of Fire & Friction Primers

Here are a couple more pictures that you may be interested in. Both the fuse packs and friction primer pack have wooden blocks with drilled holes for the items inside. The primer pack also has a tab like the fuses for opening. The left picture is the top and back side of the primer pack.

[August77]

Re: Table Of Fire & Friction Primers

Here's some pics of an open primer pack (primers long gone). It is my opinion that 3 went in the larger hole with the wires to one side, and 2 went in the smaller hole with the wires to the opposite side. Again, that's my opinion as I've never had the opportunity to open an original pack.

As far as size and placement of the table of fire, I would suggest contacting Matt Switlik in Michigan. I have his contact info somewhere and will try to dig it out if you're interested.