Vasco Da Gama
Well-Known Member
I found the 2 projectiles pictured at a local antique fair and they were in terrible condition, very rusty. After some intensive cleaning I was surprised at the construction of these projectiles. The body appears to be steel with a large brass band at the nose. Immediately beneath the brass band is a thin copper band and then lower down a further 2 copper bands. Dimensions are diameter 25.1mm and 24.6mm respectively, these figures must be less than the original considering the amount of erosion each projectile has suffered. No marking or paint are visible on either projectile. Length 64.3mm and 63.9mm respectively. I have included a picture with a fired lead 1in aiming tube round for comparison. Can anybody shed any light on which gun these may have been made for?