RAEDWALD
40 Cal.
I came across an old post I had made elsewhere. I thought that I would repeat it here just as an antidote to the surgical cleansing regime beloved by some posters here. Not muzzleloading, so strictly OT, but is a real period practice for cleaning black powder military rifles.
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I couldn't help showing this classic example of petty government 'generosity' to the troops: 'The General Commanding in Chief has also entered into an arrangement with the War Office, by which “Cloth Selvages” will be issued to Regiments and Depôts with the annual supplies of clothing in such quantities as to allow for each Soldier twelve strips, eight inches long by one inch in width. Each of these strips would make two or three wipers or sponges, which, with care and economy, would be sufficient to last a year.
The unused strips should be carried in the men’s knapsacks, and be produced at all inspections of necessaries. The wiper in use should be carried in the expense pouch, in which a perfectly clean piece should also be kept, for the purpose of being inserted in the jag of the ramrod when the arms are examined, and shown to the Officer inspecting the Company, who will thus have the means of satisfying himself as to the state of the barrels of the rifles. Care must be taken when the barrels are washed out with water that the wiper is not placed with the ammunition in the expense pouch till thoroughly dry.'
It reminds me of the old Red Army where the conscript was issued with x4 footcloths to wrap his feet in his boots (in lieu of socks) and they were to be handed back at the end of his service in good condition.
One 8" x 1" strip per month and you have to always have an clean piece for inspections. Nothing but the best for the rude and licentious!
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I couldn't help showing this classic example of petty government 'generosity' to the troops: 'The General Commanding in Chief has also entered into an arrangement with the War Office, by which “Cloth Selvages” will be issued to Regiments and Depôts with the annual supplies of clothing in such quantities as to allow for each Soldier twelve strips, eight inches long by one inch in width. Each of these strips would make two or three wipers or sponges, which, with care and economy, would be sufficient to last a year.
The unused strips should be carried in the men’s knapsacks, and be produced at all inspections of necessaries. The wiper in use should be carried in the expense pouch, in which a perfectly clean piece should also be kept, for the purpose of being inserted in the jag of the ramrod when the arms are examined, and shown to the Officer inspecting the Company, who will thus have the means of satisfying himself as to the state of the barrels of the rifles. Care must be taken when the barrels are washed out with water that the wiper is not placed with the ammunition in the expense pouch till thoroughly dry.'
It reminds me of the old Red Army where the conscript was issued with x4 footcloths to wrap his feet in his boots (in lieu of socks) and they were to be handed back at the end of his service in good condition.
One 8" x 1" strip per month and you have to always have an clean piece for inspections. Nothing but the best for the rude and licentious!
