Original U.S. Mexican-American War Era Artillery Portfire Cannon Igniter Holder - Very Rare Vickers MMG This example is fitted with

This example is fitted with a 7 1/2" octagonal barrel marked LONDON

but this is the first early edition

We can also see that there was a one point a maker label on the inner collar

though it will fire at half cock

and show little to no sign of use

Original U.S. Mexican-American War Era Artillery Portfire Cannon Igniter Holder - Very Rare Vickers MMG This example is fitted withOriginal Item. Only One Available. This interesting device was used to hold a slow burning match to ignite the charge in muzzle loading cannon prior to the adoption of friction primers. It is 22 overall and consists of a wooden handle, which is cut into four even quarters at one end, with an opening, into which a tightly wrapped paper match would be inserted. A brass collar slides towards the match end of the handle, compressing the segments together