Good antique condition according to age. The hammer cocks and releases when the trigger is pulled. The wooden grip handles sit tightly. Corrosion on the metal parts which are adorned with engravings. Measures approx. 6 1/4" long. In an era long before mechanical precision was the rule, quality control was far from being an exact science. Quality control for gun powder was particularely important since "weak" powder would fail to create enough force to propel the ammunition. If gun powder was too "strong" it could damage the weapon and cause serious injuries or worse. The eprouvette was invented to ensure consistent gun powder quality. The concept is simple yet effective. A charge of powder was loaded into the barrel and the flashpan. When the flint ignited the powder charge, the steel cover on the end of the barrel was pushed away from the muzzle by the pressure of the explosion. This moved a numbered gear to a certain notch indicating the strength of the powder mixture. Not many of these tools have survived the centuries and they are a true testament to human ingenuity.