What is a lead apron?

[major bill]

I was going through the military equipment held by the Michigan Militia in 1854. Most of it was basic gear or weapons. However the state had some "lead aprons". So what were they?

 

[major bill]

The lead aprons appear to be connected to artillery and come form this section of Militia property

23 Brass Six Pound Cannons
1 Iron Six Pound Cannon
12 Caissons
35 Sets of Implements
46 Sponges and Rammers
23 Ladles and Worms
23 Bricoles and Drag Ropes
23 Trail Handspikes
23 Lead Aprons
10 Sets of Harness for four Horses

 

[major bill]

Perhaps 'aprons tread should be moved to Weapons forum?

Well here is the remaining Michigan Militia equipment in 1854. Even when the 1858 inspections additions (200 additional Colt pistols of each type along with 120 percussion muskets, probably the Model 1855 rifled musket, with accoutrements, 400 artillery musketoons with accoutrements, and 46 artillery swords. The State also received 4 more sets of artillery harnesses) were reported it was not much equipment for the Michigan Militia at the start of the Civil War.

1241 Flint Muskets
643 Bayonets
1226 Muskets with Percussion Locks and Bayonets
1715 Cartridge Boxes and Belts
1054 Brushes and Picks
1414 Bayonet Scabbards and Belts
290 Rifles without Bayonets
40 Rifles with Bayonets
290 Powder Flacks and Pouches
40 Carbines
40 Carbines Slings and Swivels
657 Horseman's Pistols
770 Cavalry Swords with Scabbards and Belts
121 Artillery Swords with Scabbards and Belts
120 Noncommissioned Officer's Swords and (unreadable)

 

[major bill]

Because the list does not include vent covers, I take it a lead apron was a vent cover or something similar. Are vent covers and lead aprons the same things or perhaps similar?

 

[Copperhead-mi]

"Pirate ships were heavily armed and QAR was no exception. Historical accounts refer to as many as 44cannon on the ship. So far, 18 have been found on the site, and three were recovered by archaeologists. Artifacts associated with the cannon include iron round and bar shot, lead aprons or touch-hole covers..."

https://www.qaronline.org/conservation/artifacts/arms-armament