A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer / Comprising ancient and modern military technical terms, historical accounts of all North American Indians, as well as ancient warlike tribes; also notices of battles from the earliest period to the present time, with a concise explanation of terms used in heraldry and the offices thereof. The work also gives valuable geographical information. Compiled from the best authorities of all nations. With an appendix containing the Articles of war, etc.

by Thomas Wilhelm

Handle Arms. Formerly a word of command (when the men were at ordered arms), by which the soldier was directed to bring his right hand briskly up to the muzzle of his firelock, with his finger bent upwards.

Handles. Bronze guns were formerly furnished with handles placed over the centre of gravity; from their shape they were called [dolphins].

Hand-mallet. A wooden hammer with a handle, to drive fuzes, or pickets, etc., in making fascines or gabion batteries.

Hand Sling-cart. Is a two-wheeled carriage made entirely of iron, except the pole, which is of oak. The axle-tree is arched to make it stronger, and connected with the pole by strong wrought-iron straps and braces. In the rear of the axle a projection is welded, to receive the end of a strong hook. The end of the pole terminates in a ferule and an eye. The eye is for the purpose of attaching to the cart, when necessary, a limber or a horse. The diameter of the wheel is 6 feet. The hand sling-cart is used in siege and garrison service for transporting artillery short distances. It should not be used habitually for heavier weights than about 4000 pounds, but in case of necessity, a 24- or 32-pounder gun may be transported on it. For heavier guns or material, the large sling-cart drawn by horses or oxen should be used. This cart is wooden throughout, and the diameter of the wheels 8 feet.

Hand-spike. Is a wooden or iron lever, flattened at one end and tapering towards the other, used in raising heavy weights, or in moving guns to their places after being reloaded.

Manœuvring hand-spike, for garrison and sea-coast carriages and for gins, is 66 inches; for siege and other heavy work, it is made 84 inches long and 12 pounds weight.

Roller hand-spike, for casemate carriages. The latter is made of iron 1 inch round, the point conical; whole length 34 inches.

Shod hand-spike is particularly useful in the service of mortars, and of casemate and barbette carriages.

Trail hand-spike, for field-carriages, is 53 inches in length.

Truck hand-spike, for casemate carriages (wrought iron).