Civil War Artillery Tar/Grease Bucket
Item #: AA3218
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This is an artillery grease/tar bucket from the Civil War period. It is constructed of a cylindrical sheet iron with a top and bottom over overlap the body and riveted in place. This one measures 7 1/4" in diameter and stands 8" tall. The top has a 3 /12" diameter hole that is covered by a domed lid. The lid is secured by a rivet that allows the lid to be opened and closed. The handle is made of an iron chain that is attached to the bucket by two hooks. A large metal ring connected the two chains and allowed the bucket to hang under the limber or cannon carriage. The bucket carried a mixture of grease and tar, used to lubricate the axles of the cannon and limber. The tar was used to keep the grease from breaking down in hot weather. Some times the tar/grease was used to lubricate the shells before firing. This artillery grease/tar bucket has survived well. It retain much of the original finish. There are some areas of rust, but on holes or weak spots. If you have an artillery implement collection this piece should be in it!
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