Shot Measures for Fowlers

[Coot]

I am trying to determine when adjustable shot measures came into use. I have seen a good number of 19th century adjustable measures in both a 'French' and an 'English' style but don't find any earlier than that. Were all 18th century fowler shot measures or 'chargers' fixed load & the hunter simply carried several for different loads? Thanks for any help.

 

[Toomuch_36]

For the most part they would just use their powder measure "double-duty", and load shot volume for volume from the same measure that they use for powder.

Toomuch
...........
Shoot Flint

 

[TN.Frank]

I've been loading the same volume of powder to shot for years in every smoothbore that I've owned, seems to work ok.

 

[Coot]

To clarify my original post, the adjustable measures that I have seen are often marked in both ounces and drams and the same measure would be used for both powder and shot (generally loaded in equal volumes). The adjstment was to allow for light, medium & heavy loads depending on the size of the game and range to the target. What I am interested in is how far back the adjustable measures go and what preceeded them. Sorry if I was not clear. Thanks for the posts.

 

[Toomuch_36]

Are you refering to the "shot dippers" or the "flask spouts" that were attached to the shot snake or pouch?

Toomuch
...........
Shoot Flint

 

[Coot]

I am refering to a loose implement & not the adjustable spout found on some horns and shot snakes. Some are dippers with a wood handle but I have also seen (a few) that did not appear to have had more than a loop for a thong. Thanks.

 

[Toomuch_36]

I could be wrong here but I believe these came along later and were used more for loading on the range at trap competitions or later, after the shot cartridge was developed, in the shop for loading shot shells. I still have a few of the wooden handle ones and if were talking about the same thing I don't believe these are that old.

Toomuch
..........
Shoot Flint

 

First off I have to say I truly don't know how far back the "shot snakes" and shot pouches with adjustable measures go, if that is the subject. Given that one sees them advertised as English and Irish I would think they go back to at least the late 18th century. As I understand it upland and driven bird hunting was quite the sport among the upper classes, even back then. Also, Forsyth is alleged to have developed what came to be the percussion cap to improve ignition speed while "fowling". My suspiscion is that the good Reverend Forsyth had and used a shot container of some kind with an adjustable measure.

I would be pleased to know if anyone has any definitive proof of their dates of use.

Vic

 

[davidesau]

I have one. I bought at an antique shop maney years ago. I don't think it was too old. More liklely used to load muzzleloading shotguns maybe in the mid 1800s.It is handy though. It has three different settings like you said.