Musket Tools

It seems like there is also some piece of kit to get or update. Today I am taking a look at the "British Musket Tool" that is found in pretty much any redcoat's kit.

The common musket tool, as sold by the majority of sutlers, looks like this:

The skinny side of the tool is usually listed as a pin punch or vent prick. I didn't think that this was correct, so I posted a question on the RWProgressive Yahoo group. Here is the response from Jym Hoffman:

As shown in "Collector's Encyclopedia" by Neumann and Kravic, some of the originals found through archeology are deteriorated so it is hard to tell the original size and sometimes the threads are eaten away. In the book "Tools for the Trades & Crafts, An 18th.Century Pattern Book, R. Timmons & Sons, Birmingham," 1791 - 1889, with Documentary By Kenneth D. Roberts, Fitzwilliam, N.H., first published in 1976, plate 133, engraved 1820 - 1830 shows a drawing of "a military turn screw with worm. An example shown to me in an tracing of an original that came from the Hubberton Battlefield, the third leg is thin and could be used as a punch, but there are also threads near the base of the fork. The widest spread between the 2 blades is 41/2" and 41/2" to the tip of the third leg. An example form Camden, S.C. (also traced for me,) the third leg is thicker and the threads are on the very end. The widest part is 37/8" by 31/2" to the tip of the third leg. If I remember correctly, there are 2 in Old Fort Niagara's collection that all three legs are flat screw driver blades. I have not seen 2 originals that are exactly the same size as are some of those modern reproductions. That is because they are using computer controlled machines to cut them out, exactly the same. I have not personally seen the ones in the Tower to know how exact in size they are.

With that information in mind, I did a quick search for someone that sold a more appropriate musket tool. Luckily, Roy Najecki offers one that fits the bill. Here is a photo from Jym on what a musket tool should look like:


Now its time to find my worm so that I can attach it to the prong when the tool arrives.

Ich Dien!

Button Stick

In an effort to fully re-create the late 18th and early 19th century British infantryman, I am always looking at ways to improve my impression. The littlest things can add substantially, especially when it comes to showing the material aspect of things to the general public.

For the last few years, I have been looking for a good button stick. Usually made of wood but sometimes of brass, a button stick is a simple device that allows a soldier to polish his coat buttons without worrying about dirtying the coat. Mark R. Tully's "The Packet II" has an excellent article about button sticks, including some diagrams of period pieces.

Having no real skill when it comes to woodworking, I never ventured to try to make my own button stick. Luckily the other day I stumbled across an online sutler of Civil War goods that offers a good button stick. I recommend you take a look. It is an inexpensive way to improve an impression.

Ich Dien!