Revolutionary War carved lead Powder Measure

Being offered is a unique18th century Revolutionary War measure. It was made from melted lead bullets and measures 1 3/4” long x ½” wide. A string would be fed through a hole in the top for carrying.

An 18th-century powder measure was a device, often made of bone, lead, brass, horn, or antler. They were used to dispense a specific volume of black powder for loading muzzleloading firearms. These measures were essential for ensuring consistent and safe powder charges, preventing both undercharging and dangerous overcharging.

Powder Measures were important to a soldier along with his powder horn. In “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” by Neumann & Kravic there are examples of these measures (see pictures). They could be simple fixed-volume designs, such as cut-off horn tubes, or adjustable types with sliding components to set different powder amounts. These measures have always been rare and difficult to come by – especially one like this. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.

With the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding this year, interest in Revolutionary War relics is expected to significantly increase. This renewed enthusiasm will drive demand for virtually all Revolutionary War artifacts, further contributing to their scarcity and rising prices.