Gun Sponge

3D Model

This sponge-head, recovered from USS Monitor‘s turret in 2002, was used to clean the bore on one of the ship’s two XI-inch, 13-foot long, Dahlgren shellguns. While the bristles are heavily damaged, the wood and iron worm are stable.

“Bristle sponge head are 1.5 inch less in diameter then the chambers and bores of the gun for which they are intended. The bristles are to be sheared so as to work easily and leave no windage. Three spiral spaces are to be left the whole length of the sponge head, in order to bring out unconsumed portions of cartridge; these spaces will be right handed. Two –third of the head is covered with bristles, one third bare; the end of the sponge is to be entirely covered; no worm in bristle sponges”. From Dimensions and Weights of Gun Implements by William F. Jeffers, June 1874.

Courtesy of The Mariners’ Museum and Park.

Please contact tgutshall@marinersmuseum.org for more details.