Recycled Bullet cartridges Slow Match & Spare

Recycled Bullet cartridges Slow Match & Spare taper 37" (95cm)

Please bear in mind that although I have polished the cartridges they will have been roughly handled.

It is quite likely you will find scratches , blemishes, lumps, bumps and distortions. Please ensure you have fully extinguished it before putting it away as it can take some putting out, it can be as easy as stubbing out a cigarette, but beware.

NEVER leave a slow match unattended as the holder WILL need frequent adjustment.

This is not a toy and is not intended for small children (Potential choking hazard). Adult supervision is highly recommended for children and expert advice for the bigger kids!

These are recycled used bullet casings. They cannot be reactivated as they have been drilled out and altered in order to hold the slow match tapers.

Slow Match

The slow match, slowmatch or match cord is a slow burning cord. It burns slowly and evenly despite most wind and rain. Burning like a cigarette end it does not produce a flame and does not go out when handled roughly. Similar to a conventional lighter a spark, from a ferro rod, can ignite the taper or wick; however it smoulders rather than flames. Please follow the instructions pictured. Please ensure you have fully extinguished it before putting it away as it can take some putting out, it can be as easy as stubbing out a cigarette, but beware. 

Slow Match Origins

Early guns were set off by igniting a bit of powder at the touch hole, so there was a need for a handy bit of fire hence the slow match. The slow match was first mentioned in a 1411 manuscript; before that, guns were fired using a red-hot poker. Also used by early gunpowder musketeers and soldiers to ignite matchlock muskets, cannons, shells, and petards; slow matches were ideal for use around black-powder weapons as they could withstand rough handling, wind and rain without going out. In addition, slow matches only present a small glowing tip instead of a large flame that risked igniting nearby gunpowder. Slow matches were used from the 15th century until about 1630, when the flintlock started its rise to prominence. It stayed in use with small numbers of matchlocks in Europe until approximately 1730, and in Japan until the early 1900s.

Slow Match Uses

Slow match holders have been used throughout history for holding and carrying slow-burning fuses or "slow matches" which were used for lighting cannons, firearms, and fuses for explosives. Here are some examples of slow match holders that have been used:

1. Matchlocks: Early matchlocks had a slow match holder built into the gun itself, usually located near the touch hole, which was used to ignite the gunpowder charge.
2. Leather Pouches: Slow match holders were often made from leather and could be carried on a belt or bandolier. The pouch would be lined with metal to prevent the slow match from burning through.
3. Metal Tubes: Metal tubes were also used as slow match holders. They were often made of brass or copper and could be carried on a bandolier or attached to a belt.
4. Clay Pipes: Clay pipes were also used as slow match holders. They were cheap and easy to make and could be carried in a pocket or on a bandolier.
5. Wooden Boxes: Wooden boxes with a lid were also used as slow match holders. The box would be lined with metal, and the lid would have a small hole for the slow match to pass through.
6. Horns: Horns were another common material for making slow match holders. They could be carved or shaped to hold the slow match and could be carried on a belt or bandolier.
7. Pouches Made from Animal Bladders: In some cases, animal bladders were used to create a small pouch for holding slow matches.

Overall, slow match holders were important tools for soldiers and artillerymen, and a wide variety of materials were used to make them depend on the time and location.

Today, the slow match is still used in some traditional settings, such as in historical re-enactments, pyrotechnics, and some religious ceremonies. However, it has largely been replaced by modern ignition systems and is now considered a relic of an earlier era.