British Gunflint

Recovered from an archaeological dig on Boston Common in the 1980’s, this gunflint was likely lost during the Revolutionary War by a British soldier. The Common was used extensively as a camp and home base to many British troops that were sent to the city before and during the seige of 1775. These troops often carried muzzle loading muskets that fired a round lead ball, by using a flash of powder sparked by a sharpened piece of flint during firing. The gunflints were replaceable and held in place by a piece of leather or lead, causing many to be lost while still serviceable such as this example. Scanned by Brian Schools.