There are different solutions depending on the desired result. The military
solution was either a tompion (a wooden plug that fit into the muzzle) or,
by WWI, a muzzle cover (usually canvas or leather) that strapped over the
muzzle and extended several inches down the outside of the barrel. Tompions
and muzzle covers were designed to keep trash and water out of the bore, but
were intended to be removed easily in action. Both of these solutions alter
the cosmetic appearance of being "ready for action," and have the
disadvantage of being temporary in nature and removable. With guns intended
for firing in ceremonies or public events, the tompion or muzzle cover is
the appropriate answer.
The traditional solution for trophy guns in parks and monuments has been to
fill the bore with concrete, usually leaving a few inches of bore unfilled
at the muzzle to maintain the appearance of an actual bore. This is only
appropriate for situations where there is no thought of returning a gun to
service, and the piece is no more than a sculpture. The disadvantage of
filling the bore with concrete is that, over time, water and the chemicals
in the concrete will react with the iron of the bore causing rust. Rust
takes up more space than iron and will eventually degrade both the
surrounding iron and the concrete.
A compromise might be found in a "plumber's plug," a device that sandwiches
a thick disk of rubber between two washers compressed by a bolt. Designed
for sealing pipes, it is inserted into the bore, and the bolt is tightened
to expand the rubber plug until it seals against the bore wall. It can be
inserted far enough down to leave the appearance of a bore at the muzzle.
It is waterproof, and sufficiently difficult to remove that it will
discourage idle tampering.
Don Long
Curator
The Museum of Ashe County History
PO Box 1404
Jefferson, NC 28640
336-846-1904
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Susan L. Maltby
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 3:35 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] bungs for outdoor guns?
Folks, I am currently dealing with the preservation of 3 WWI "trophy
guns" (i.e., German guns seized at the end of WWI and brought home as
a trophy) that are out-of-doors. We are considering putting bungs in
the muzzles to keep garbage etc. our of them. Does anyone out there
have a source/experience with these they would like to share (offlist
is probably best)?
Thanks.
Susan Maltby, Conservator
Maltby & Associates Inc.
Adjunct Faculty, Museum Studies Programme/FI
University of Toronto
416-921-2877
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