This is an excellent example of the Civil War artillery lanyard from the recently dispersed collections of the MOLLUS War Library and Museum in Philadelphia. Incorporated in 1888 by the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the U.S., the veterans’ organization for Union officers, this was the repository for a world-class collection of artifacts housed since 1922 in a Philadelphia townhouse. The museum closed in 2008. Many of their holdings made their way to other institutions, but we purchased a number pieces from them at auction.

This is a standard piece of artillery gear, having a turned wood handle about 5 inches long with good finish and larger turned ends for a more secure grip, complete with full-length cord and original wire hook. “Number Four” on crew of a field gun placed the T-shaped friction primer in the loaded cannon’s vent, placed the hook in the loop at the top of the primer, and stood back with lanyard played out, waiting for the gunner’s command to fire. A sharp yank on lanyard set off the primer, whose flame ignited the propellant charge, and the round was then on its way. The crew would then reposition the gun from its recoil and again perform their prescribed tasks to ready the gun for its next shot.

There is no specific donor information on this piece. The MOLLUS collection included a vast array of material, some related to specific individuals and other presented as gifts and war souvenirs. Nevertheless, it is nice having that association and this would be a key piece in an artillery collection or display.  [sr] [ph:L]

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