Waxed Pipe Stem found in the mud of the Thames.

This is claimed to be the remains of an 18th century clay pipe stem dipped in red wax to stop the stem from sticking to the smoker's lips. Found in the mud of the Thames, London UK.

18th Century Pencil Found.

https://www.marinersmuseum.org/blog/2016/03/18th-century-pencil-can-borrow/

Can you identify this. Powder Measure & Pricker.

A reader sent these images to me in the hope that I could identify this powder measure. What is unknown is the reason for the channel on the measure, was it meant to hold something? A gun tool for instance? It has a file cut which has gone right through the measure making a hole. Your thoughts please, could this be a marker for a lower measure of gunpowder? Or is the hole a mistake, filed too far? The silver band is apparently fixed in place & will not move.
Can anyone date this measure?
Keith.

The file cut and hole is just to the right of the silver band at top.

Here you can see the channel that extends under the silver band.

 

An enlarged image showing the file cut and hole.

Silver band is level with the cut-away end of the measure.

Showing part of the pricker that is tied to the measure with cordage.