Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. A linstock (also called a lintstock), is a staff with a fork at one end to hold a lighted slow match. The name was adapted from the Dutch lontstok, "match stick". 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 small 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, which we believe dates to around 1700-1720, consists of a 31" stout wood haft with a steel spike on the bottom, used to stick the Linstock into the ground. It has a top mount of two arched fuse holders, which were traditionally charged with coils of slow burning cord. Ours includes modern cord as demonstration. The hand forged 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 "strike a match" so to speak when action was needed.
Coming from an impeccable source, genuine examples are extremely hard to find. Masses of patina and ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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