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20th Century English Leather Cordite Bucket

$1,250
£944.85
€1,085.80
CA$1,740.62
A$1,936.37
CHF 1,015.07
MX$23,661.91
NOK 12,925.61
SEK 12,167.68
DKK 8,105.05
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About the Item

Cordite buckets were used by the British navy to carry cordite, a propellant that was used to replace gunpowder. Because of their purpose, cordite buckets were built using specific materials: cork, cloth and leather. The leather was used on the outside to protect the explosive from water damage and was glued onto the cork, which is a fire resistant material. On the inside the cork was coated by canvas to (most likely) seal the cork. The bucket would originally have had a lid (not present). On the bottom we can see R "broad arrow" L with a date under it. This was the code used for the Royal Laboratory, Woolwich, and tells us this bucket was built in 1933. The buckets were grabbed and moved using the handle attached via copper rivets. This particular item is in great shape, with few scratches on the leather (not surprising for something actively used during warfare) and the royal coats of arms of the united kingdom still in very good condition with limited fading of colors. This item will make a wonderful accent piece in your home as well as a great conversation starter, because I don't know about you, but we really did not know much about the use of cordite and its buckets until recently.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)Diameter: 9 in (22.86 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1933
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Diameter measured is the diameter of the base. Height including the handle is 19 inches.
  • Seller Location:
    Carmine, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU6550228251862

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