limbers

A limber is a piece of equipment used to connect a gun carriage or other heavy load to the draft animals that pull it. It is essentially a two-wheeled cart that supports the front of the gun or load, allowing it to be maneuvered more easily. The limber typically consists of a metal frame, a trail handle, and a lunette, which is a ring or eye that attaches to the towing vehicle's trail.

Historically, limbers were crucial for artillery. A cannon was too heavy to be moved by horses directly. The gun carriage would be separated from its wheels, and the trail of the gun would be placed on the limber. This arrangement allowed a team of horses to be attached to the limber and tow the cannon effectively. The limber's wheels would bear a significant portion of the cannon's weight, making it manageable for transport across varied terrain. The limber itself was often designed to be strong and relatively simple in construction, prioritizing function and durability in military contexts.

In modern times, the use of limbers has largely been superseded by specialized trailers and more advanced towing mechanisms. However, the principle of using an intermediate support structure to facilitate the towing of heavy objects remains relevant in various fields, including some agricultural and specialized transport applications. The term "limber" itself is now primarily associated with historical military equipment.