Description
Item number : UK HAW MF A49 Prototype ?
Origin : England
Style : MULTI FUNCTION
Gauge : 12
Functions : Closer, rammer
Suitable for pinfire : Yes
Stabilizer : No
Maker : G. & J.W. HAWKSLEY, Carver Street, Sheffield
Markings : “SS16” at the down side of the top of the table screw
Biggest length : 260 mm
Height : 250 mm
Weight : 1,197 grams
Length of shell tube : 64 mm inside from closing cup to end
Press lever : Steel with horn handle.
Turning lever : A very unusual Hawksley-like closing plate. Prototype?
The handle is also non-typical.
Closing cup : Brass
Cartridge pusher : N.a.
Materials body : Brass body
Paint : There are not the slightest remains of paint.
Probably this tool has never been painted.
Table clamp : Top duck foot with 3 sharp steel pins.
Screw top is big round without pins
Condition : Good
Repairs : None
Remarks :
The 1889 catalogue states:
“A49 Hawksley’s Patent Turnover and Filling Machine, superior quality, Horn handles”
The A49 has a funnel. This one does have a loading tube without a funnel but with a horn top. The top of the loading tube doesn’t look like it is original. A hard top of a loading tube is not exceptional. Also see UK HAW MF A49 WF. But a leather cover doesn’t look like it is factory made. However this tool is also exceptional because of the turning lever.
The Turning lever is exceptional. It is not as the usual A49 lever. But it is so beautifully professionally made, that is hard to believe that it is home work. I like to believe that it is a prototype.