Bone Powder Measure With A Question

[Fullstock longrifle]

I recently picked up this (what I believe to be) powder measure. It has 8 flats with wording on two sides, but I can only read one, J F Collin 1834. It appears to be for a Fowler or musket because of its size, but one thing throws me, it has a hole that goes into the cavity and I can’t figure out why. It’s obvious that the hole was added when it was made, any ideas?

[Tanselman]

I'd guess the hole may measure a lighter charge than the charger normally delivers... perhaps for a smaller caliber rifle, so he could use it on more than one gun. He could see a grain or two of powder come out when filling and it reached that point, so he'd know he had that size charge. When loading his larger fowler or gun, he would keep his finger over the hole while filling the charger and emptying it... which he had to do anyway to hold it.

Shelby Gallien 

[Fullstock longrifle]

I'd guess the hole may measure a lighter charge than the charger normally delivers... perhaps for a smaller caliber rifle, so he could use it on more than one gun. He could see a grain or two of powder come out when filling and it reached that point, so he'd know he had that size charge. When loading his larger fowler or gun, he would keep his finger over the hole while filling the charger and emptying it... which he has to do anyway to hold it.

Shelby Gallien

Thank you for your thoughts Shelby and that makes perfect sense.

[jdm]

Frank, I'm thinking along the same line as Shelby. Pretty neat idea really.  Jim

[Tim Crosby]

 I wonder if it could be used as a whistle?

   Tim C.

[Fullstock longrifle]

I wonder if it could be used as a whistle?

   Tim C.

Good thought Tim, but no, the hole is too small to create and sound.

[Fullstock longrifle]

Frank, I'm thinking along the same line as Shelby. Pretty neat idea really.  Jim

Thanks Jim, yes I agree.

[Avlrc]

Cool find.  I just did a quick search for fun. Found two John F Collin.  One from Abington VA 84 in 1880. The other from New York.

[Fullstock longrifle]

Cool find.  I just did a quick search for fun. Found two John F Collin.  One from Abington VA 84 in 1880. The other from New York.







Thank you Mark, this guy matches up pretty well, the measure came from an old collection in Virginia.