Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
Handheld molds like these were essential tools for Revolutionary War soldiers and frontiersmen alike, allowing them to cast their own ammunition over a camp fire. Liquid lead was poured into the top of the clamped mold; once cooled, the handles were opened to release a freshly formed projectile.
The larger, durable cast steel mold produced a .34 caliber ball, a common size for smaller field pieces or heavy rifles. The cast brass mold produced a .31 caliber ball, typically used for pocket pistols or small-game long rifles. Because brass absorbs and dissipates heat differently than steel, users had to carefully manage their casting speed to keep the metal from warping under continuous use.
