Caliber dagger
The caliber dagger ( Italian Fusetto or Stiletto since bombard "Stiletto bombardiers") is a thrusting weapon , while a measuring instrument , tool and rank insignia from Italy of the 17th century . The three- to four-edged blade is engraved with a scale for the powder charge for iron, steel and lead balls from guns . Otherwise it is the same as the ordinary stiletto at the same time .
use
This dagger was used by chief gunners to determine the powder charge for muzzle-loading cannons . Since there were no standardized projectiles in the 17th century , the weights varied from floor to floor. With the help of the caliber dagger, the weight of the various projectiles could be determined through the diameter and based on this the exact powder charge, which was very important for the effective use of the cannon. In order to ensure a safe ignition , the cartridge pouch could be opened with the dagger through the ignition hole . The dagger was also used as a tool to remove combustion residues from the ignition hole. In addition, the gun could be "nailed up" with the dagger, i. H. make it temporarily unusable by inserting the dagger into the ignition hole and breaking it off. Of course, the dagger was also an effective close combat weapon in case the artillery should be overrun.
The Republic of Venice forbade the use of daggers; the only exception were gunners. It is therefore likely that attempts were made to circumvent the ban by carrying caliber daggers by private individuals.
literature
- Eduard Wagner, cutting and stabbing weapons, Dausien Verlag Hanau, 1985, page 90, ISBN 9783768415989
- Gerhard Seifert, Lexicon for weapon terms, page 32 online PDF
- Ewart Oakeshott : European Weapons and Armor: From the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution , Original 1980, Boydell Press, 2012, pages 231-232 ISBN 184383720X
- Heinz Werner Lewerken: Combination weapons of the 15th – 19th centuries Century. Military Publishing House of the German Democratic Republic , 1989, pages 141–142 ISBN 3327005168
Web links
- Caliber dagger at Oriental Arms: [1]
- Caliber daggers at Christie's : [2] , [3]