Latest Acquisition! - Page 2

Roundsworth · 07-22-2011, 03:44 PM

Yes it does, Jack. I will get back with the model number. I already have a 'standard' BGI cleaning rod with a Budd-Petmecky bore cleaner. I also have a mint Union Hardware cleaning rod, still in the package. I just need to find a nice way to display my stuff so people can enjoy it. My wife probably won't be too excited about using the oak hutch and mantel, though!

Jack Kuzepski · 07-22-2011, 03:53 PM

What is the patent date on your BGI cleaning rod? There are 2 or 3 (can't recall right now) different patent dates. The different patents have to do with how the ferrules were made. I have a used Union Hardware cleaning rod missing one piece. Have been checking out the gun shows looking for a complete one. I also have a Budd Petmecky cleaning implement, a 10 ga in the box.

Jack Kuzepski

Roundsworth · 07-22-2011, 07:14 PM

Jack, the patent date on my reg'lar BGI rod is 'FEB.9.92.' The wood is a lighter colored variety than the one I just bought. The little accoutrements like slotted tips, etc., are really hard to find. Here are the auction photos:

Jack Kuzepski · 07-24-2011, 03:55 PM

Mark,

That little slotted tip is rarely seen. What auctions are you using?

Jack Kuzepski

Roundsworth · 07-24-2011, 04:35 PM

Jack, I have gathered that eBay is usually 'black-balled' by firearms enthusiasts due to their policies. Well, I have amassed quite a collection of loading tools and other various accoutrements over the past year with them. The BGI roller pictured above sold at $15.00. I bid much higher because I really wanted it. Sometimes the bidding gets really stupid (not a nice word!) and I do have to set my limits. What annoys me is the bidder that hits the 'bid' button with 1-2 seconds left. Really nice when you are watching and think you have it in the bag. Sour grapes, I guess. I bid what I am willing to spend. They need a 15 minute rule like Gun Broker. Here is a BGI loader I got on eBay. I paid way too much for it, but really wanted it. I still don't know which is correct for these loaders, 'Barclay' or 'Barkley'. I see both used with equal frequency. I have been pretty lucky, though. For the most part, I don't have to get into any major bidding battles. Cheers!

Jack Kuzepski · 07-25-2011, 04:38 PM

Mark,

If most firearm enthusiasts dismiss Ebay for those collectibles then that means fewer people bidding and holds the prices down for you. Have you tried Wards Collectibles? They have an auction starting August 1st, but if you go the website today or tomorrow you can see what was in the last one and the prices. Look in the "Miscellaneous (Marbles & Winchester)" section to find antique reloading tools and cleaning rods. One area that really draws the money are some of the shotshell boxes, even empty ones!

Jack

Roundsworth · 07-25-2011, 07:00 PM

Jack, it has been awhile, but I actually had Wards sell a large collection of Remington-UMC and UMC cartridges for me. They did well! I have found a few boxes on Gun Broker. If I am lucky, I get them for low bids. Very rarely have I lost out on an English box, which is what I collect (as far as boxes, that is).

Jack Kuzepski · 07-26-2011, 04:58 PM

Just for giggles, I just looked thru my repro 1902 M. Hartley Company catalog for your Barkley Loader. I found it as a Eureka Gun Implements.-Improved Quality: item #147 Barclay pattern, inside spring, polished nickel tube, apple head. It was available in 10, 12, 14, 16 and 20 gauges. It sold for $6.35 per dozen. Basically the same item as your pic with the difference being yours is not nickel plated and the spelling of the item.

Jack

Roundsworth · 07-26-2011, 07:04 PM

The 'Eureka' name is a mystery to me. I have a complete 20 gauge loading outfit label 'Eureka' and Union Hardware. My Eureka Tomlinson cleaner is stamped 'BGI'. The 1901 BGI catalog has a section for their Eureka implements. Did BGI acquire Union Hardware? Was there a connection between the two?

Jack Kuzepski · 07-27-2011, 06:34 PM

Mark,

To start with there were 4 different companies totally owned by the same man Marcellus Hartley. When he died, his grandson Marcellus Hartley Dodge took over M. Hartley Co and after a period of time, the other 3. I don't know what happenend to BGIC or M Hartley Co. after Dupont got into the picture buying into Remington Arms and Union Metallic Cartridge. Dupont got controlling interest (60%) in 1933 during the Depression. It may be that BGIC was sold to Union Hardware. If anyone would have the answer it would be the Hagley Museum and Library. I'll pose the question to them.

Jack