Combination Spanner, Priming Flask, and Screwdriver
Culture
Italian
Date1600s
Mediumsteel and copper
Dimensions5.4 × 17.5 cm (2 1/8 × 6 7/8 in.), 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.382
DescriptionSteel, balustered writhen cylinder tapering to its ends with molded necked bolster in middle - this fitted with rotating suspension ring. Tapered sections are hollow & form body of flask. Decorated with cut spiralled lines in groups of 3 each. At 1 end of flask, molded ring separates body from nozzle. Projecting at right angle, forming a "T," is double-ended spanner with copper-lined sockets decorated en suite with flask & have molded muzzle-like terminals. Back of flask body has resistance spring whose upper end presses against pivoted nozzle cover. At opposite end is an openwork keyhole-shaped terminal with screwdriver blade.Label TextMultipurpose tools such as this piece were relatively common during the late 1500s and 1600s. Fine grained gunpowder for priming a firearm was stored in the hollow body, and was poured out of the covered nozzle at one end. The projections below this served as a special type of wrench, or 'spanner', to wind wheel-lock guns. At the other end is a decoratively formed screwdriver head for field repairs. The loop in the middle was for a lanyard for wearing the tool.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on April 21, 1931 from H. Furmage, London, England. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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