Allen Thurber Single Shot with Octagonal Barrel Wrench 

Device measures approximately 1-7/16 inches in width at handle and 3-7/8 inches in overall length. It is constructed of iron which is in good solid condition. These molds were also used with Bacon, Manhattan, and similar single shot pistols. An example of the same type mold is pictured in “Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields and Campsites of The Civil War Supplement I” by Stanley S. Phillips on page 96 as item 5. 

This single shot pistol bullet mold and barrel wrench will be an excellent addition to any Civil War firearm or general relic collection. 

Inventory Number: FIR 223 

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Ca. 1850: Manufactured in the Mid-19th century by James Dixon and Sons of Sheffield England – Compressed Bag-shaped form; and of fine quality manufacture with a Plain, heavy gauge, smooth, copper-alloy body with fine/tight seams and its 4 side-mounted brass suspension-cord rings. The top of the flask with its original brass pouring-spout with a graduated three (3) step dispenser and its original internal mounted spring-operated powder cut-off. Fire-blued spring complete with its retaining-screw. In overall very good+ untouched condition with smooth, untouched, copper-colored surfaces with both of suspension-loops, choice seams, and expected signs of handling, dents, abrasions and light wear. A very nice example of a classic mid-19th Century English Powder Flask, ca. 1850. Overall measurements, 8″ x 3″. 

Inventory Number: FIR 228

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Wilmont patent. This is a truly attractive example of the rare Wilmot’s Patent .58 caliber tompion. The unique design uses a brass top and bottom that are connected by a threaded brass rod. In between the two ends is an India Rubber center that is covered in coarse green wool. When the tompion is “tightened” by screwing the top portion towards the bottom portion, the rubber center expands to fill the muzzle of the musket. The top of the tompion is clearly marked: Patented November 24 1863. This pattern of tompion is listed in the US 1865 Ordnance Manual for use with the US Model 1855 and Model 1861 rifle musket as “Tompion, Expansible, Wilmot’s Patent”. The lower disc of the tompion that goes into the muzzle measures .556″ in diameter while the larger disc that sits on the face of the muzzle measures .758″ in diameter. The knurled tightening knob measures .548″ in diameter. The overall length of the tompion is nominally 1.3″ but can be slightly varied by tightening or loosening the tension screw.

This example is in about FINE condition and still works correctly with the rubber center expanding very slightly when the top is tightened. The brass has a lovely, untouched dark brownish-bronze patina that is quite attractive. The wool covering lacking. This would be expected for any tompion that saw actual use. This is a really cool and interesting musket implement that is missing from most Civil War gun tool displays and would be a nice addition to your collection. 

Inventory Number: FIR 227

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Rare and highly desirable combination screwdriver tool associated with the Joslyn pistol, retaining an exceptional amount of its original factory blue finish—an uncommon survival on these small, easily lost accessories. Manufactured for use with Joslyn arms, these tools were essential for field maintenance and adjustment, yet were seldom preserved alongside the pistol, making original examples notably scarce today. 

This example displays a strong, even blue across much of the surface, with only minor handling wear at the high points. The form remains crisp and well-defined, with sharp edges and no evidence of abuse or heavy use. The integrity and finish strongly suggest careful preservation over time. 

Joslyn-associated accoutrements are rarely encountered, particularly in such fine condition. When found, they are most often heavily worn or lacking finish, making this a standout example for the advanced collector seeking to accompany a Joslyn pistol or enhance a display of Civil War-era arms tools. 

Inventory Number: FIR 222

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A scarce and highly desirable English-made mainspring vise, an essential gunsmithing tool used for the safe removal and installation of mainsprings in flintlock and early percussion firearms. This well-crafted example features a robust iron construction with finely threaded screw adjustment and opposing jaws designed to securely compress springs without damage—an indispensable implement in the maintenance of period arms.

The form is consistent with 18th to early 19th century English manufacture, exhibiting hand-finished surfaces, crisp mechanical action, and honest working wear throughout. The tool retains excellent integrity, with strong threads, clean jaws, and a pleasing untouched patina that speaks to its period use without abuse.

English Enfield mainspring vises of this quality are increasingly difficult to source, particularly in complete and functional condition. A necessary addition for the advanced collector of antique arms or the specialist in period gunsmithing tools.

Inventory Number: FIR 212

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Cartridge Wrapper (.56 Cal.)

Original Civil War–era paper cartridge package for Col. Colt’s Patent Revolving Rifle, printed “5 Cartridges – Made of Hazard’s Powder” and manufactured at Colt’s Cartridge Works, Hartford, Connecticut. Intended for the .56 caliber Colt revolving rifle, a limited-issue arm used during the early war period.

Package has been opened and contains no cartridges, as expected. Displays honest period wear with strong, legible printing. Original Colt revolving rifle ammunition wrappers are exceedingly rare, as paper packaging was typically discarded after use.

Incredibly rare packet and great display piece.

Inventory Number: FIR 211

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This is a very good condition mold for the imported British Tranter revolver. The English Connection notes these revolvers were mostly handled by retailers in New Orleans such as Guion, and Hyde and Goodrich, and were likely cased with accessories when they arrived. These were very popular throughout the pre-war south, however: the same volume illustrates a beautiful example retailed by T.W. Radcliffe of Columbia, SC, and indeterminate numbers were also run through the blockade during the war: prize-courts adjudicating captured blockade runner cargos list cased British revolvers and accessories. In any case, many made their way into the hands of Confederate officers.

Inventory Number: BUL 515

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These original flints were found in a revolutionary war crate that had been rebranded for the Richmond Armory.  These wonderful examples have a shared history of having been intended for both the British in the Revolutionary War and the Southern Confederacy during the American Civil War.

$35.00 Each, upon order we will select an example for you.

Inventory Number: REV 019

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