pistols and powder testers · - turned wood handle . powder tester vafo 1197, george c. neumann...
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Pistols and Powder Testers
of the
American Revolution
Valley Forge National Historical Park
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Pistols were heavily relied on during the American Revolutionary War by cavalry and high ranking
officers. A pair of pistols were carried in leather holsters known as buckets, hung on either side of a horse in front of the saddle. Pistols were used
primarily for close range combat and self defense.
Pistols
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English Queen Anne Pistol
VAFO 5272 & 5273, C.B.H. Jackson Collection Valley Forge National Historical Park
- c. 1765-1780 - Screw-Barrel loading system - Popular silver wire inlay on wooden stock
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English Officer’s Holster Pistol
VAFO 5274 & 5275, C.B.H. Jackson Collection Valley Forge National Historical Park
- c. 1750-1770 - Lock engraved “Wilson” - Barrel engraved “Wilson*London”
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French Officer’s Holster Pistol
- c. 1750-1770 - Recessed carving on stock - Octagon barrel at breech rounded towards muzzle with gold wash
VAFO 5276 & 5277, C.B.H. Jackson Collection Valley Forge National Historical Park
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French Officer’s Holster Pistol
VAFO 5278 & 5279, C.B.H. Jackson Collection Valley Forge National Historical Park
- c. 1750-1770 - Face design on butt plate - Lock plate engraved with “Thonus/Aliege”
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French Officer’s Pistol
VAFO 5281 & 5282, C.B.H. Jackson Collection Valley Forge National Historical Park
- c. 1750-1770 - Barrel etched with Floral and gold wash - Engraved on lock plate “C.Laude/Berardy”
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English Sea Service Pistol
VAFO 5285, C.B.H Jackson Collection Valley Forge National Historical Park
- c. 1750 - Barrel engraved “Bedfordshire-Horse Artillery” - Lock plate stamped “Tower”
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It was important to test black powder before purchase, if too weak the flintlock weapon would not fire correctly, potentially leaving a soldier or officer vulnerable. Too strong, it could cause the weapon to explode, fatally
wounding the one it was meant to protect.
The mechanism works the same as a flintlock pistol or musket. When fired the hammer drops causing a spark to
ignite the powder. The firing forces the wheel to turn, registering the strength of the powder.
Powder Testers
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Powder Tester
VAFO 1196, George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
- Engraved “Tomas Be/1703” - Numbered 1-7 to measure powder strength - Turned wood handle
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Powder Tester
VAFO 1197, George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
- c. 1710-1720 - Numbered 1-8 to measure powder strength - “Queen Anne” style
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Powder Tester
- English pistol style - Marked “Twigg/London” - Numbered 1-7 to measure powder strength
VAFO 1198, George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
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Powder Tester
VAFO 1199, George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
- German style - Marked “C.Sturm and H.Suhl” - Numbered 1-20 to measure powder strength
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Tinder Pistol
VAFO 1549, George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
- Stamped “Woolley” - Small tinder storage compartment - Iron candle holder on left side
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Tinder Pistol
VAFO 1550, George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
- Sitting dog engraved on handle - Tinder storage compartment - “U” shape stand mounted to front
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For More Information
Contact: The Museum Staff
Valley Forge National Historical Park 1400 North Outer Line Drive
King of Prussia, PA 19426
610-783-1034 or
http://www.nps.gov/vafo/contacts.htm