Gunner's callipers

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Gunner's callipers were used for making shot measure and artillery calculations. These brass callipers were made in the late 18th century, probably by George Adams, a scientific instrument maker based in London.

This side is marked by the hinge 'Adams London'. The upper arm is marked with scales for 'Brass Guns/ Proof/ Service', the lower with scales for 'Iron Guns/ Proof/ Service'. These indicate specific weights and quantities of powder for particular guns.

The callipers consist of two flat brass blades hinged so that they slide freely over each other, allowing the steel tips to point either inwards to indicate take the diameters of shot, or outwards to measure the bore of a gun.

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-804-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1982.146
• Date: Late 18th century
  
• Material: Callipers / case
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Callipers / case
  
• Subject:
• Who: Adams
  George Adams, London (Maker)
  Gunner (Eponym)
  
• Where: England, London
  England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: Gunner's callipers of brass in a case, probably by George Adams, London, late 18th century
  
• References:
  • For a general introduction to the background, and a similar example, see Bennett, Jim & Johnston, Stephen, The Geometry of War 1500-1750. Oxford: 1996, pp 9-16 & 26-7 
• Translations:
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