Description
Item number : UK DIXON CAP 2181½
Origin : United Kingdom
Style : Cap- / Decapping tool
Gauge : 12
Maker : James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield
Markings : “12”, “JAMES DIXON & SONS SHEFFIELD”, the Trumpet and “12” on one side of the lever;
2181 ½ ” on the other side
Bottom sizes : 84 x45 mm
Weight : 311 grams
Materials body : Cast iron bottom, brass pillars, steel lever with ebony grip
Paint : Contains most of the original reddish paint
Condition : Good.
Repairs : None
Remarks:
This capping tool carries the name : “Horsley’s Patent”. Baker states (page 4) “…. And foreign made variants appeared in catalogues published round the world.” I personally think that Horsley copied a lot of reloading tools from the continent. Similar French tools are functioning far better than this Dixon tool.
Dixon made this tool also for other parties, like BGI.
The Dixon catalogue 1882 states:
No. 1181 Horsley’s Patent, central fire recapper and expeller
No. 2181 Horsley’s Patent, central fire recapper and expeller 2nd quality
No. 1181 B Horsley’s Patent, central fire recapper and expeller Nickel Silver
And not in that catalogue there is
No. 2181½ also a 2 pillar tool, but not according Horsley’s Patent
The pillars can be screwed off. Under the pillars there is a hole with a screw thread, where a spare needle can be stored. If one looks to the bottom of the tool it can be seen if a spare needle is present.