1841 Mississippi rifle ball puller

[Model1841rifle]

I have the musket tool, wiper, and spare nipple for my Model 1841 rifle, originals but not to the gun. I am searching for the correct ball puller. I know they are scarce. Any leads or good places to look? Originals only please.

 

[JOHN42768]

I have been looking for one for about three years without any luck

 

[MarkTK36thIL]

Shoot me a message from time to time. I deal with a lot of musket tools and try to keep a wants list.

 

[James Brenner]

There seems to be a demand for these things. I need an original ball puller, too.

 

[Model1841rifle]

Shoot me a message from time to time. I deal with a lot of musket tools and try to keep a wants list.

View attachment 533513

I will, thank you!

 

[Bugattimiller]

I just recently acquired a Model 1841 rifle from an age old collection. I was very pleasantly surprised when I opened the patch box as it had a complete set of tools. A US marked combination tool, a wiper and ball screw. I am assuming that this is a complete set or where any other tools supplied?

 

[johan_steele]

That is a complete set, outstanding acquisition. Congrats. Those were tools supplied with the arms. There is some debate on whether a ball puller was supplied with each.

 

[Bugattimiller]

That is a complete set, outstanding acquisition. Congrats. Those were tools supplied with the arms. There is some debate on whether a ball puller was supplied with each.

Thanks for confirmation and comments. The rifle is in original .54 calibre with fixed rear sight and no facility for bayonet attachment. There are 2 inspector cartouches but too faint to read. The barrel has inspector initials JAG and both lock and barrel are dated 1849. If not part of the issue kit to each rifle, who would carry a main spring vice? It is a Robbins and Lawrence contract manufactured arm.

 

[bayonet]

I could of used those a few months ago. Won 2 flintlock pistols about 250 years old at a very low price from an Auction House in Europe. When they arrive thank you US Customs that opened the box up to inspect them but when they returned it to the box (poorly repacked) they left one on full cock! So turns out something is jammed at the bottom of one of them. The rods and tools I had could not get it out. I order the the ball puller/screw type tool online. Turns out the thread won't fit 3 or 4 different rods I have. Now I have to order their rod too! Well after numerous attempts out comes this thick wad of cloth that was so hardened it must of been down there for decades and at one point was doused in some type oil.

 

[Bugattimiller]

I could of used those a few months ago. Won 2 flintlock pistols about 250 years old at a very low price from an Auction House in Europe. When they arrive thank you US Customs that opened the box up to inspect them but when they returned it to the box (poorly repacked) they left one on full cock! So turns out something is jammed at the bottom of one of them. The rods and tools I had could not get it out. I order the the ball puller/screw type tool online. Turns out the thread won't fit 3 or 4 different rods I have. Now I have to order their rod too! Well after numerous attempts out comes this thick wad of cloth that was so hardened it must of been down there for decades and at one point was doused in some type oil.

I do empathise with you, I purchased a new model 1859 Sharps rifle from the US many years ago and our UK customs opened it and left it fully cocked and re-packed very badly. When it arrived the hammer had been bent as it protruded through the packaging. These days I can't get any US dealers to ship to the UK, that's progress for you. Guess it is all too much hassle. Glad you got the wadding out and all is well.

 

[JOHN42768]

I just recently acquired a Model 1841 rifle from an age old collection. I was very pleasantly surprised when I opened the patch box as it had a complete set of tools. A US marked combination tool, a wiper and ball screw. I am assuming that this is a complete set or where any other tools supplied?

View attachment 569801

View attachment 569802

Way to go. The JAG most likely John A. Gamber. Having the three tools is a super bonus. Whatever you paid, the tools are about a grand by themselves, if you can find all three. Post photos and maybe able to determine other cartouche. Thinking WAT for William A. Thornton

 

[bayonet]

I do empathise with you, I purchased a new model 1859 Sharps rifle from the US many years ago and our UK customs opened it and left it fully cocked and re-packed very badly. When it arrived the hammer had been bent as it protruded through the packaging. These days I can't get any US dealers to ship to the UK, that's progress for you. Guess it is all too much hassle. Glad you got the wadding out and all is well.

Yeah about 6 months earlier I got 2 old swords from a German Auction. Customs here looked like they ripped the box open with a chainsaw. The inside was all wet, no doubt left out in the rain on some trolley. FedEx Lady was embarrassed by it's condition. Really Customs just X-Ray it. I also had a flintlock pistol shipped to me from UK months ago. Went thru 4 shipping companies because the other 3 wanted a Kings ransom to ship it. One 4 times what I paid for it. Bonhams was surprised I found this low cost shipper and wanted their info to use as a Shipper. I should get a commission on that!

 

[johan_steele]

Thanks for confirmation and comments. The rifle is in original .54 calibre with fixed rear sight and no facility for bayonet attachment. There are 2 inspector cartouches but too faint to read. The barrel has inspector initials JAG and both lock and barrel are dated 1849. If not part of the issue kit to each rifle, who would carry a main spring vice? It is a Robbins and Lawrence contract manufactured arm.

The Mainspring vice was carried by NCO's.

 

[Bugattimiller]

Way to go. The JAG most likely John A. Gamber. Having the three tools is a super bonus. Whatever you paid, the tools are about a grand by themselves, if you can find all three. Post photos and maybe able to determine other cartouche. Thinking WAT for William A. Thornton

Thank you for all the information really is appreciated. I have attached a few photos of the rifle including some close ups of the cartouches. I would be amazed if anyone could decipher them, but you probably know what you are looking for.

 

[JOHN42768]

Your larger oval is WAT for William A. Thornton the smaller oval I believe is SK for Samuel Knous. I use "U.S. Military Arms Inspector Marks" by Antony Daum & Charles Pate. Sometimes just the shape of the containing box helps narrow it down as was the case here. Script letters are sweeping and difficult to decipher, but the two possibilities were SK and GW with the flattened end of the oval going to make it SK. So I leave you Amazed. The Good Sisters taught me well many years ago. Of course the script in the early '50's was still different, but got me on right path.

 

[JOHN42768]

Here is my m1841 Robbins & Lawrence . WAT in large oval and JPC for James P. Chapman, barrel is JH for John Hawkins. Copy, rotate and enlarge to see the script letters.

 

[Bugattimiller]

Your larger oval is WAT for William A. Thornton the smaller oval I believe is SK for Samuel Knous. I use "U.S. Military Arms Inspector Marks" by Antony Daum & Charles Pate. Sometimes just the shape of the containing box helps narrow it down as was the case here. Script letters are sweeping and difficult to decipher, but the two possibilities were SK and GW with the flattened end of the oval going to make it SK. So I leave you Amazed. The Good Sisters taught me well many years ago. Of course the script in the early '50's was still different, but got me on right path.

Indeed John, you have left me amazed and very grateful. I can write this all up and put it in the folder. Thanks again to all who have responded.