Musketmaat, leren huls met oortjes c. 1590 - 1596

This is a "Musketmaat, leren huls met oortjes" (Musket Measure, leather case with ears) made in the late 16th century. The small, conical leather case, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, was used to measure gunpowder charges for muskets. The "ears" on the side of the case would have been used to hold the measure steady and keep it from falling out of the musket. These types of objects demonstrate the craftsmanship and engineering of the time, and also offer a glimpse into the details of everyday life during the 16th century.