Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2224:
Description
A fascinating 19th-century collection of gunsmithing and black powder reloading tools highlighting rare early firearm history. This comprehensive lot includes three distinct bullet and shot molds, highlighted by a long, multi-cavity buckshot gang mold with wooden handles measuring 15.5″ long overall with a 7.5″ mold section, alongside a heavy cast iron mold box stamped “We Recommend and Sell Winchester Cartridges and Guns” measuring 4.25″ long by 2″ wide by 2.25″ tall. The collection features an antique cast brass crescent rifle or carbine buttplate remnant measuring approximately 8″ long by 1.25″ wide by 2.5″ tall, a vintage cardboard tube of “Gun Patches” still containing original fabric patches, a small brass pocket percussion cap dispenser complete with internal spent caps, an early iron grease or oil spout field lamp with its suspension chain, an F.I.E. Miami FL .36 caliber nipple wrench, and a rare leather closure strap for a McKeever cartridge box clearly stamped with the “Watervliet Arsenal” mark. The wooden storage chest features a brass-tack-embellished leather exterior, an open partitioned wood interior, and an iron lock. All items are in honest, field-used condition; the iron elements show a heavy, stable brown patina with oxidation and surface pitting, while the leather on the chest exhibits cracking, scuffing, and finish loss appropriate for age. H 5″, W 13″, D 6.5″. Please see photos for condition.
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