Muzzleloader Multi-Tool for Comment

[dana_w]

Can any one help me identify this Muzzleloader Multi-Tool?

These photos are copyright (c) 2014 by Dana K. Williams. All Rights Are Reserved.

[Tony PP]

Hello, What you appear to have is a relic from the Civil War. The tool is one made for the English Enfield 1853 percussion rifle. Many thousands of the rifles were shipped to the states , therefore a man was as likely to be issued an Enfield as he was a Springfield. But not with one of these tools, they were I believe only issued to sergeants. The story being that the troops were capable of shooting at the opposing side but not skilled enough to fix their weapons if they failed to function.

[Tony PP]

Hello again, I found my tool , it looks the same as yours. Mine is marked with the British government arrow, a crown and a 'E' for Enfield. it is also marked on the side with D21 which I believe was the issue number within the regiments.

[Fernando K]

Hello:

With respect, we would like to know why and how they used each of the pieces or parts ....

Affectionately. Fernando K

[dana_w]

Hello, What you appear to have is a relic from the Civil War. The tool is one made for the English Enfield 1853 percussion rifle. Many thousands of the rifles were shipped to the states , therefore a man was as likely to be issued an Enfield as he was a Springfield. But not with one of these tools, they were I believe only issued to sergeants. The story being that the troops were capable of shooting at the opposing side but not skilled enough to fix their weapons if they failed to function.

Thanks so much for putting me on the right track Tony PP.

Some of the attachments are easily recognizable Fernando K, like the “worm”, a “ball puller”, a touch hole cleaner, and a screwdriver. The tool can probably also be used as some type of special wrench.

After I've done a little research, I can post a photo with the parts marked.

[Marcus den toom]

The largest part looks like it is some sort of bolt (as in bolt action)?

[Berkley]

With respect, we would like to know why and how they used each of the pieces or parts ....
This Pattern 1853 appurtenance was officially termed a nipple wrench .
The various tools are nipple wrench, cramp (for compressing springs), pricker (for cleaning flash hole of percussion nipple), drift (for driving out pins), worm (for removing patches), ball drawer, and screwdriver.
There were seven different patterns of nipple wrenches, issued to privates and sergeants. For details, see .577 Enfield Rifles & Carbines by Ian Skennerton. pp. 191-196.

[dana_w]

Thanks Berkley!

I also found this drawing for the "Y" version of the Sergeants Nipple Wrench here:

http://www.researchpress.co.uk/firearms/british/enfield/wdn_wrench.htm

[Fernando K]

Dana:
Of course, some parts are easily recognized, but the oil bottle is not evident, the screwdriver fireplaces (nipple wrench) and the version "Y", which serves to "I" (turnscrew NP) (?)

Fernando K

[dana_w]

Dana:
Of course, some parts are easily recognized, but the oil bottle is not evident, the screwdriver fireplaces (nipple wrench) and the version "Y", which serves to "I" (turnscrew NP) (?)

Fernando K

The oil bottle is part of the vertical cylinder in the version "Y" drawing. The oil applier tip and cap is screwed in at the top. A pointed piercer with a screw for extracting jammed bullets unscrews from the bottom of the same cylinder. Like the "worm" it is designed to be attached to a ramming rod. The hole which the piercer / screw comes from can also be used as a nipple wrench.

When I have a chance I will make mark up some photos to make things clearer.

[fernando]

Forumite Adrian Roads wrote an excelent & comprehensive paper on the several tool patterns that were issued.
I hope he doesn't mind me uploading here a coupple pages of the said article :o

.

[dana_w]

Forumite Adrian Roads wrote an excelent & comprehensive paper on the several tool patterns that were issued.
I hope he doesn't mind me uploading here a coupple pages of the said article :o

.

That a GREAT contribution Fernando! Thanks so much.

[adrian]

Thanks Fernando I don't mind at all that you have posted this extract & would have replied myself if I had seen this thread sooner.
Dana, its an Enfield rifle tool, as has been correctly noted by several members, in this case one that was issued to Sergeants, these had a few "extras" that the Privates implements did not have, such as a ball drawer & mainspring clamp. There are several patterns of tool that it could be (No. 4, 5 or 7), as these have only slight differences. One clue will be as to whether or not it has a small screwdriver tip beneath the detachable worm?
Regards, Adrian

[dana_w]

Hello Adrian, it is a pleasure to meet you.

The Sergeants Tool in my post doesn't have have a small screwdriver tip beneath the detachable worm. Does that make it a 4 or 5?

[adrian]

Hi Dana that would make it a pattern #4.
Pattern #3 is also the same as #4 except the arms & stem are longer, I don't think it is a #3, they are fairly uncommon, but if you check yours against the measurements in that article extract you will then know for certain. Regards, Adrian.

[dana_w]

Hi Dana that would make it a pattern #4.
Pattern #3 is also the same as #4 except the arms & stem are longer, I don't think it is a #3, they are fairly uncommon, but if you check yours against the measurements in that article extract you will then know for certain. Regards, Adrian.

Without the worm, the cross arm measures 4 1/16"

[adrian]

Definitely a #4 Pattern. Adrian

[dana_w]

Definitely a #4 Pattern. Adrian

That great. I would enjoy crediting you and posting a link to your article on my web site. Can you send me the details?