RARE - Revolutionary War Artillery Linstock, from North Carolina (ON HOLD)

Being offered is an excavated Revolutionary War Artillery Linstock. It is blacksmith-made of iron and has an overall measurement of 13” and the top being 6” wide and would have a 1 ¾” wooden pole. It was found many years ago in a Revolutionary War site in North Carolina.

A linstock is an iron staff with a fork at one end to hold a lighted slow match. Linstocks were used for discharging cannons in the early days of artillery; the linstock allowed the Cannonier to ignite the fuse on a loaded Cannon from a short distance. It was introduced in the 16th Century when the quality of both Cannons and Powder were very much a hit or miss proposition. Not only could the charge flash back, but the recoil of the cannon might send the carriage toward the gunner.

This example dates to around 1720 – 1780. The Linstock head was kept burning for hours while stuck in the ground in close proximity to the artillery. With a continual fire source there was no concern to starting a fire when action was needed. There is a painting of George Washington firing the first shot at Yorktown using a linstock (see pictures).

North Carolina was the site of several significant Revolutionary War battles, including the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge, the Battle of Ramsour's Mill, and the Battle of Guilford Court House. The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge, fought in February 1776, saw Patriot forces defeat Loyalist troops, solidifying Patriot control in the state. The Battle of Guilford Court House, a major engagement in March 1781, pitted British forces led by Cornwallis against American forces led by Greene.

This rare artifact remains in very nice condition, having some roughness overall, but no chipping or flaking. It was probably made by an apprentice blacksmith, the crudeness shows his inexperience.