what does this fit?

[sapper740]

Originally Posted by Richard Coutts-Smith

One for you Gunners out there.
In the seemingly endless quest to get my shed into order, I rediscovered this barrel brush. It originally came with some 3in. Mortar tripods, but I doubt it had anything to do with them.
Two piece handle (6ft 6in when assembled) brush dia. 4 1/2in. Some markings on brass joiner as shown.
Any help appreciated.
Rich.

Sounds about the right length and diameter for the 4.2" mortar. The Ordnance SB 4.2inch Mortar has a barrel length of 68.1" so your 78" handle leaves just enough remaining for a soldier to get a good two handed grip on. If you're interested in selling it, I bet Dave Gordon (Horsa) would be interested in it for his towed 4.2. Derek.

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Thanks Derek,
Thats a big Mortar. Did not realise barrel length was anything like that. Does fit though as one of the sets of mounting legs was substatially bigger than the others.
As for selling, I think the postage costs would kill that idea. Quite happy to hang on to it now I know what it is, (although the chance of getting another set of legs to match it are now remote.), it can go up on the shed wall for all to see.....that'll be me, the dog and two possums!
Regards
Rich.

[Gunner]

Hi Richard:

Sapper has hit it bang on the head. Note the brush has bristles going around the curve at the end of the brush... unique to mortar brushes as they are closed end tubes. Cannon brushes have the bristles all parallel as there is no closed end to clean. The firing pin was removable and there was a special brush for cleaning the firing pin bushing.

Mike in Mali

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Thanks Mike,
had noticed the rounding off of the bristles, but had paid no attention to them. Learning each and every day!
Rich.