Help ID Shot Snake

[BOGG]

I just got this here shot snake off Ebay and I'm going to restore it. All brass parts worked great after alittle care and lub. I most certainly will have to replace the leather but that no problem.
What I'd like to know is who made it? what time frame we'er looking at and any history you guy could give me on it.On one side when I pulled out the dispenser I got a few shots in my hand but the other seemed to be old powder? any info would be great.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=150324031180

 

[silverfox]

I looked at that one also. But already have a couple to redo. You got a good deal as the Irish heads would run between $35 and $40 each from a supplier and be lighter metal than those originals.
I haven't seen them used for anything but shot as powder could jam or bypass the plates in the heads. Most two head snakes were used to carry two different sizes of shot. Most pouches are much wider at the head than yours usually about 2" or more. I like your tube pouch and will probably make one myself. Both English and Irish. I like the Irish but the English is handy with no parts to lose when in use. Be sure to attach a strap to the measure so you don't lose it in the field.
Looks like a good deal to me As to time period I don't know could be anywhere from late 1700s to late 1800s. Most I see claim prior to Civil war but hay you have to have a way to carry shot until cartrige guns came out.
Fox :thumbsup:

 

[mazo kid]

Two shotsnakes I have are similar to yours, but not exactly the same. My double snake is not marked in any way; the single is only marked as to patent dates: Patd March 28th 1871 on the removable shot measure and Patd Jan 28(?) 1856 on the top of the spring loaded retainer. I have another snake head in the basement that I was always going to restore, I'll have to hunt it up and see if it is marked in any way. Emery

 

[BOGG]

Hey thanks guys for the information on the shot snake I appreciate it very much it was very usefull.After cleaning up the shot heads they are both printed with "patent January??? 1806 or 1886.

Now here comes the weird part,after removing the heads I noticed a piece of cloth like material inside each the leather snake when I removed it it was a pair of black silk ladies stockings. I am completely dumbfounded with this, being that a shot snake would be such an essiential part of daily life in that time frame.they had to have been put inside the snake before heads were installed on the leather. lol I just don't know what to think of this what do you think?