Revolutionary War hand-forged Artillery Linstock, ca. 1720 – 1780

This is another nice early piece coming out of a 60-year collection of French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812 artifacts. Being offered is a Revolutionary War Artillery Linstock. It is blacksmith-made of iron and has an overall measurement of 13 ½” and the top being 7 ½” wide. A unique feature is that the end is turned and comes to a point. The consensus is that this design allowed the end to clear the fuse hole. It was found many years ago in the Hudson Valley, New York.

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 cannoneer 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.

For much of its history, the Hudson Valley consisted of a network of isolated towns, villages, farms, and fortresses connected by one main thoroughfare: the Hudson River. The river was not only the primary trade route connecting Canada and the Great Lakes to New York City, but also decisive terrain in military operations throughout the colonial era – particularly during the American Revolution.

For this reason, the Hudson Valley was famously referred to by George Washington as “the key to the continent.” Throughout the war, officers on both sides made it their top priority to gain control of the Hudson River—and to keep hold of it at any cost. Actually, there is a famous painting of General Washington with a linstock firing the first shot at Yorktown (see pictures).

This rare artifact remains in very nice condition, having some roughness overall, but no chipping or flaking. This collection began in the late 1950s and was created by private acquisitions, closed museums, diggers, and from lake divers. The collector meticulously displayed and cataloged every piece along with any known provenance.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been hard to find. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price.