This copper and tin container was used for the storage and transport of cordite that replaced black powder in 1889 as a military propellant. The stamped of a government broad arrow and date 1903 show the item was made for the war department and not for commercial use. The container once empty of explosives was used for many years as a flour bin on board the crayfish ketch "Lady Brassey" by Mr Charlie Washbourne, Crib Point, Australia (on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria). The ketch Lady Brassey was probably named after Anna or "Annie" Brassey (née Allnutt), Baroness Brassey (7 October 1839 – 14 September 1887) who was an English traveller and writer. Her bestselling book A Voyage in the Sunbeam, Our Home on the Ocean for Eleven Months (1878) describes a voyage around the world including a visit to Australia.The explosives container is an example of how explosive compounds were stored and transported at the turn of the 20th century. It is significate as it is in very good condition and an artefact from Australia's colonial history around the Federation, just as the country was gaining independence from Britain.Metal box with tin sides, copper top and base and round, double layered lid that has a folding, D shaped handle. Referred to as a cordite container or copper drum. Inscriptions are stamped onto the drum and are on a sticker under the lid.Handle stamped "S & Co. 1900" on lid. Base is stamped "R.G.D. 1903" (meaning the container seals are resistant to Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD)") Logo: triangular "(vertical arrow) / A T " between letters and date. Base also has blue plastic label "N.T. 55" Sticker: "B55". flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, copper container, gunpowder container, government issue container, r.g.d. 1903, lady brassey, charlie washbourne, crib point, baroness brassey, cordite container, copper drum, gun powder container, gun powder, black powder, black powder container, explosives storage, crayfish ketch

Container for gun powder, used with muzzle loading gun. The lid was used as a measure for amount of powder to be use with each shot.Example of early pioneer method of shooting. Copper, pear shaped with lid, embossed with hunting scene dog and pheasants gun, gun powder, powder horn, horn, muzzle loading

These items were essential for loading and maintaining black powder firearms in the 18th to early 20th century. Gunpowder flasks ensured safe handling and storage of explosive powder. Gun loaders and bullet moulds helped reload ammunition, making them indispensable for hunters, soldiers, and marksmen.1. Gunpowder Flask (Metal Canister with Spout): Physical Description: A conical-shaped metal container with a small pouring spout and a curved carrying handle. This gunpowder flask was used for storing and dispensing black powder for firearms. The spout allowed for precise measurement before loading. 2. Gun Loader or Bullet Loader (Double-Barrelled Tool with Wooden Handle): Physical Description: A metal tool with two cylindrical barrels, a wooden handle, and a serrated curved section. This is likely a vintage gun loader, bullet mould, or powder charge tool. The cylindrical barrels could be for holding and pressing charges. The serrated curved edge may have been used for cutting wads or removing spent casings. 3. Glass Jar Containing Black Powder (Gunpowder?): Physical Description: A cylindrical glass jar with a yellow metal lid, containing a black granular or powdery substance. This may contain black powder, used in historical muzzle-loading firearms, cannons, or fireworks.gun, powder, ammunition, shooting, farm equipment