Collection Highlights
American Bastille
Date:
Object Number:
LIB.E458.8.M36.1870F.XL
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Musket worms (2) excavated at West Point
Object Number:
INV.5925.171-172
Date:
1760-1783
Medium:
Iron
Dimensions:
largest: 7/8 x 5/8 in. ( 2.2 x 1.6 cm )
Description:
Iron musket worms excavated at West Point; small corkscrews with holes at base of screw.
Gallery Label:
These objects were excavated by the Field Exploration Committee from Fort Number 4 at West Point, a series of barracks and forts built in Orange County, New York by the Continental Army. West Point was built to establish control of the Hudson River. The worms were screwed onto a screwdriver, and were used by soldiers to clean and repair guns. Cloth was attached to the worm and used to clean the inside of the musket's barrel.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
