A study on firearms tools

Andi · 3rd November 2013, 12:52 PM

Here is a really simple and unimpressive tool from Fokke Museum in Bremen, Germany, described as a clearing needle (Räumnadel). It is not dated and I guess it is from 17th or 18th century. The shaft between the handle and the needle assumes that the tool was inserted in hilt or a sheath (probably in connection with a bandolier?). I am not really sure of the material of the neelde whether it is iron or bronze because on the needle are brownish residues like rost but it also has a greenish patina like copper alloys, I preferrably assume it is made from iron.

Marcus den toom · 3rd November 2013, 03:30 PM

A very nice tool indeed, to open up the ventholes from a flintlock or even a wheellock. Because blackpowder leaves some residue it may clog the vent (the hole in the barrel). I heared the name vent pick a few times but i am not sure if it is correct.
The metal is most likely hardened iron.

JamesKelly · 8th November 2013, 09:09 PM

Just touch your Räumnadel with a magnet.
Iron or steel will be attracted, bronze or copper not.

On my tool the U-shape opening seems too large for a nipple wrench, at least for the nipple now in the rifle. Drum means drum, that thing screwed into the barrel into which the nipple goes. About that term Grandpa would have been clear. Just do not know what he was thinking about this tool.

And that "buck and ball" mould that started this thread is more complex than I have seen American tools to be. From what I have seen, I think it quite unlikely for an old American mould to have folding handles.

fernando · 9th November 2013, 01:25 PM

My 'Räumnadel' is a very basic one, not much worthy; probably 19th century ... or even later, if it was used in operational gun replicas. In this case it could either be for clearing ventholes or percussion niples.
I was found on the grounds of a shooting range, after a contest involving all types of ignition, from matchlock to percussion, open to originals and reproductions.
I wouldn't know what name these things have/had over here; arms lexicon is not 'universal'; we call venthole 'ear' and nipple 'chimney'.

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fernando · 10th December 2013, 06:37 PM

I kept thinking about these ball & buck moulds and, as i had seen one of the kind several months ago in a local dealer, i went back there and bought the thing.
This one is said to be a military version. I wonder if i may date it end XVIII century.
The cavities fit (close to) 15 m/m and 18 m/m bullets (balls) and a 9 m/m buck shot.
The mould itself is rather surdy, made in bronze. The whole device weighs 1,150 Kgs.
I wish Adrian were around to comment on this example; i am sure this is his area, both tool and period, and would be thankful for his input, with all eventual corrections to the above assumptions

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Other members opinions will obviously be welcome

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adrian · 12th December 2013, 08:18 AM

It is difficult to date & identify this unless there are some identifying marks, even with its measurable caliber as a guide. For most of the black powder military history it was far more expedient to supply ready made ammunition rather than to supply separate lead, casting tools, melting vessels etc & loose powder. Certainly there are examples whereby bullet making utensils/moulds were provided, as a back up, such as to outstations, expeditions & where re-supply was unlikely/unreliable, etc, but this would generally be the exception. If there was a conflict where hastily raised troops may have been required to provide their own arms then ammunition supply would probably have relied to some extent upon casting balls as required at an individual level due to varying calibres.

fernando · 12th December 2013, 09:24 AM

Thank you so much, Adrian. All wise info noted. Unfortunately there are no marks in it

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3rd November 2013, 12:52 PM	#1
Andi Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Halstenbek, Germany Posts: 203	Here is a really simple and unimpressive tool from Fokke Museum in Bremen, Germany, described as a clearing needle (Räumnadel). It is not dated and I guess it is from 17th or 18th century. The shaft between the handle and the needle assumes that the tool was inserted in hilt or a sheath (probably in connection with a bandolier?). I am not really sure of the material of the neelde whether it is iron or bronze because on the needle are brownish residues like rost but it also has a greenish patina like copper alloys, I preferrably assume it is made from iron. Attached Images

9th November 2013, 01:25 PM	#4
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	My 'Räumnadel' is a very basic one, not much worthy; probably 19th century ... or even later, if it was used in operational gun replicas. In this case it could either be for clearing ventholes or percussion niples. I was found on the grounds of a shooting range, after a contest involving all types of ignition, from matchlock to percussion, open to originals and reproductions. I wouldn't know what name these things have/had over here; arms lexicon is not 'universal'; we call venthole 'ear' and nipple 'chimney'. . Attached Images

10th December 2013, 06:37 PM	#5
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	I kept thinking about these ball & buck moulds and, as i had seen one of the kind several months ago in a local dealer, i went back there and bought the thing. This one is said to be a military version. I wonder if i may date it end XVIII century. The cavities fit (close to) 15 m/m and 18 m/m bullets (balls) and a 9 m/m buck shot. The mould itself is rather surdy, made in bronze. The whole device weighs 1,150 Kgs. I wish Adrian were around to comment on this example; i am sure this is his area, both tool and period, and would be thankful for his input, with all eventual corrections to the above assumptions . Other members opinions will obviously be welcome . Attached Images

3rd November 2013, 03:30 PM	#2
Marcus den toom Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Netherlands Posts: 535	A very nice tool indeed, to open up the ventholes from a flintlock or even a wheellock. Because blackpowder leaves some residue it may clog the vent (the hole in the barrel). I heared the name vent pick a few times but i am not sure if it is correct. The metal is most likely hardened iron.

8th November 2013, 09:09 PM	#3
JamesKelly Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Michigan, U.S.A. Posts: 108	Just touch your Räumnadel with a magnet. Iron or steel will be attracted, bronze or copper not. On my tool the U-shape opening seems too large for a nipple wrench, at least for the nipple now in the rifle. Drum means drum, that thing screwed into the barrel into which the nipple goes. About that term Grandpa would have been clear. Just do not know what he was thinking about this tool. And that "buck and ball" mould that started this thread is more complex than I have seen American tools to be. From what I have seen, I think it quite unlikely for an old American mould to have folding handles.

12th December 2013, 08:18 AM	#6
adrian Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 132	It is difficult to date & identify this unless there are some identifying marks, even with its measurable caliber as a guide. For most of the black powder military history it was far more expedient to supply ready made ammunition rather than to supply separate lead, casting tools, melting vessels etc & loose powder. Certainly there are examples whereby bullet making utensils/moulds were provided, as a back up, such as to outstations, expeditions & where re-supply was unlikely/unreliable, etc, but this would generally be the exception. If there was a conflict where hastily raised troops may have been required to provide their own arms then ammunition supply would probably have relied to some extent upon casting balls as required at an individual level due to varying calibres.

12th December 2013, 09:24 AM	#7
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Thank you so much, Adrian. All wise info noted. Unfortunately there are no marks in it .