I believe I have brought up this subject before, but this weekend I was looking at an original Civil War era CS document and they were requesting shells for their 9 inch cannon, and 100 pairs of goggles. Just shells and goggles..........
In all the war time photo's we all have seen, I personally have never seen any of the gunners wearing or holding goggles, not even hanging on their necks by the strap. But I guess by the document I saw, they sure enough used them. And you always see them listed on ebay - which I have always had my doubts of what they truly were.
But I really don't see the need for goggles that much either. With all the pre -OSHA practices of the times dangerous as hell anyway, not to mention big chunks of lead flying at you from the other side .... Friction primers flying through the air - maybe. Acrid black powder smoke in your eyes in battle - maybe. Cannon barrel blowing up and sending 200 lb chunks of cast iron at your eyes - not necessary.
Any reneactors or shooters or knowledgeable persons out there that can enlighten me ??