63/583/2

A percussion cap dispenser for loading percussion caps into a handgun that does not use fully self-contained ammunition.
This circular brass object with a spout is a percussion cap dispenser, for loading percussion caps into a percussion pistol or revolver – a handgun that does not use fully self-contained ammunition. Percussion caps are made from thin copper and usually contain fulminate of mercury, which ignites when impacted. The caps are placed on ‘nipples’ inside the cylinder chambers and when the trigger is pulled the revolver’s hammer impacts on the cap with enough force to detonate it, with the spark then igniting the gunpowder in the chamber.

percussion cap dispenser: brass

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: … // Accession number: … // Classification: … // Negative number: … // Acquisition method: … // Acquired from: … // Date: … // Store: … // Condition: … // Recorder: JMB // Date: 10.3.86 // Description: 65/583/2 Circular brass object with a spout through which the caps are dispensed to load a percussion type pistol or revolver. // 63/583/1 A small tin containing caps. (Neg. 60/14755+6) // (these were given by the city Museum, Birmingham) (see letter) // Dimensions: 63/583/2 Diameter: 5.0cm 63/583/1 Diameter: approx 3.0cm // Associated information: For method of use see attached correspondence. // References: …', Letter, Geoffrey Wilding, Birmingham City Museum and Art Gallery, to Andrew Jewell, MERL, 13 December 1963 – ‘… // You are quite correct in assuming that the device illustrated on your sketch is, in fact, something to do with firearms. This is for use with a percussion type pistol or revolver and is usually referred to as a percussion cap dispenser. // In case you would like to see for yourself how it works, I am sending you a few percussion caps in a tin. These are placed in the outer circle of the device with the roller arm first of all rotated anti-clockwise. The open end of the cap faces upwards. You will see then that, when the top is screwed on, the arm will push the caps towards the hole in the projecting portion and, with the hole facing downwards, the cap can then be pushed on to the firing nipple of the revolver. The cap is a tight fit and will be left behind when the dispenser is withdrawn. The dispenser usually takes twelve to fifteen caps and, as you will realise, with a five or six chambered weapon, they are very quickly used up. It is a simple device and works very well. // To try to push a cap on a nipple by hand is an exceedingly difficult proposition and it can be very dangerous since the fulminating powder in the top of the cap may be accidentally ignited. // …’