Original cone pick pictures

[jweiland]

Hey does anybody have any pics of original cone picks? I did a search and found one http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mcpheetersantiquemilitaria.com/09_guns_parts/09images/conepick_small.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.mcpheetersantiquemilitaria.com/09_guns_parts/guns_parts_01.htm&h=56&w=150&sz=3&hl=en&start=7&sig2=YOgU0fRC4W1nzzaokJHxvw&um=1&usg=__qBRPnIJx8waP6wElBkt073Ajdpw=&tbnid=ptRQxQ4-Ot_D8M:&tbnh=36&tbnw=96&ei=2fARSfi0EoqSeeLNwbgM&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcivil%2Bwar%2B%2522cone%2Bpick%2522%2 6um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3D4NT%26sa%3DG.
Did they all look like this?


Thanks John

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Yep, the few originals I've seen have pretty much looked like that one, perhaps with the curve at the top a little tighter so that it can fit in the loop inside the cap box (at least for Federal use). An email to info@ejtmercantile.com (Bill Lomas) could possibly get you a pic of more originals in his collection.

[Jim Mayo]

Here is one.

[MBond057]

Jim,

This is an excellent photo of the cone pick.

Thanks for sharing.

[cblodg]

Jim,

Your collection continues to amaze me! Great picture. That looks to be in great shape too.

[Jim Mayo]

Thanks: That pick came from a Bannerman cap box that was never issued. I used to work for a guy that had an original P-1864 Cartridge box and cap box and was using them when he shot his Zouve. He bought them in the late 50s when Bannerman was still in business. Since he knew I was collecting he said he felt guilty about using the original items and offered to trade them for my reproduction leathers. Of course I eased his conscience.

[Ron_Brock]

Here is a pic of two that I have in my collection.

- Ron

[Swag]

Maybe it is just the way the photos are taken, but the originals seem to be far thicker than reproductions, and the one shown by Mr. Mayo seems to have a tapered point; very interesting photos, thanks for sharing.

[Rob Weaver]

Did anyone back then just use a bent piece of wire?

[Jim Mayo]

The only wire that I suspect would be available in the field would be telegraph wire and that was made of copper which is too soft and of a diameter which may not fit the cone.

As with everything made now and then, some were probably better than others. Notice the point on this well made original pick. Stiff wire ground to a nice point on the end to chip away the carbon. Perfect fit for original cones. Most of the picks sold at reenactments vary in quality and some are junk. No point and some will not even fit the cone. Always pays to try them out before you buy. Even though they are inexpensive, if they don't fit into the cone it is money wasted.I noticed those for sale at the NSSA nationals are better quality and actually work.