|
ORIGINAL R. KINSLEY .58 CALIBER PATENTED TOMPION,
c. 1862 – VERY DESIRABLE CIVIL WAR ERA TOMPION:
A unique design, patented on February 18, 1862 by
Rhodolphus Kinsley of Springfield, Massachusetts, this
.58 caliber tompion features a small coiled spring
between the two leaves of the body to keep the sections
spread away from each other. Pictured and documented on
page 280 of Gun Tools, Their History and
Identification Volume 2, Shaffer and Dorsey, and
page 331 of Gun Tools, Their History and
Identification Volume 1 by the same authors, this
scarce tompion is in excellent condition and shows no
evidence of use.
This tompion, measuring 2 1/16” long, is full form,
there are no cracks or splits to the wood, and the
spring is intact and functions properly.
While this Kinsley tompion was commercially manufactured
during the Civil War, it is a unique example of the kind
of innovations developed during the war and was
certainly the sort of appendage purchased by the states
for issue to each soldier to prevent debris and moisture
from getting into the barrel of his rifle. This scarce
tompion is in excellent condition and will be a very
nice addition to your collection. (1203) $175
|
