I vote mainspring clamp. Similar clamps were government issue for US Muskets through the Trapdoor era. Only reservation is the size . Have to look at it beside the lock to be sure.

See the similarity? http://www.ssfirearms.com/products.asp?cat=55

William

I like the mainspring clamp idea. Something like that would certainly work for that on my 1842 Springfield musket.

That one is crudely made doubt if it is from Parker. The US clamps and combo tools were not high polish, but very well made. I would not expect less from Parker.

William

S&S firearms is a good source, not expensive. http://www.ssfirearms.com/

William

It looks like it might fit to the width of the barrel lug on the barrel flats.

But for what purpose Mike? It might fit the lug but I don’t think that is the purpose of the wrench...







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I’ve seen hammer spring clamps but they had a screw to tighten them. I have a pair of pliers with smooth jaws which remain parallel at any opening, and that’s what I use.

A look at the ssfirearms site is educational. Here is a pic of what is called a punch and main spring clamp and one of an 1842 Springfield combination tool that is a screwdriver and a nipple wrench. I have an original of one of these for my Springfield. I just ordered a replacement hammer screw and a nipple from them. Unlike the screw I got from Dixie GW years ago, theirs has the proper original threads. I've been looking for this screw for over 40yrs.