Information on Compound (Multipurpose) tool/wrench for 1863 Springfield

[Todd Smith]

I am interested in knowing of a sutler or outfit that makes the compound wrench /tood that was an original tool accessory for the 1863 Springfield. This multipurpose tool contains 3 screwdrivers, mainspring vice, tumbler-punch and a cone wrench that all fit togehter as one compact unit. I came across one individual / sutler who reproduces this item but I have misplaced the web link and cannot relocate.
Does any know where I can obtain this item?

Thanks,
Todd
email: smth-tm@juno.com

[MStuart]

Todd:

This may or may not be it.....'bout 1/3 down the page.

http://www.fcsutler.com/fcfirearmaccessories.asp

Or near the top of this one

http://www.blockaderunner.com/Catalog/catpg6.htm

Mark

[Jim Mayo]

The compound appendage tool was one of those ideas that never quite made it into the field. I can't ever remember any being dug. Most recovered US gun tools were the closed end and open end two blade screwdriver type which would do the job on the M-1863. The open end type (1858 version) is found mostly in mid to late war sites and in greater numbers which one would expect. Tumbler punches and mainspring vices were in use but were separate tools and were not normally carried by ordinary enlisted personnel. The army did not want soldiers taking their musket apart and losing the parts. This was supposed to be done under direction of an ordinance sargent.

To answer your question I don't think anyone is making the tool you want.

[CapitolGuards]

Todd:

This may or may not be it.....'bout 1/3 down the page.

http://www.fcsutler.com/fcfirearmaccessories.asp

Or near the top of this one

http://www.blockaderunner.com/Catalog/catpg6.htm


Yet another caution on these items (from both vendors) is that they are castings from original tools, and have a high probability of not fitting your weapon without a significant amount of filing down ... e.g., s crewdriver blades too thick, wrench ends too narrow, or in the case of the closed-end tool for the M1841 and M1842, the wrench end is too thick to fit between the cone and the flash guard on the rear of the bolster.

They look great, but in my experience, they don't really work on your weapon without your doing a good bit of modification.

Tom

[Jim Mayo]

This is the M-1863 appendage. This picture is from "Rules for the management and cleaning of the RIFLE MUSKET, MODEL 1863" published in 1863. Doesn't look very easy to carry in the implement pouch.

I have never seen one of these for real. Anyone else seen one?

[Memphis]

Todd, you checked with Tim Prince first, right? :confused: