Brass Bullet Mold

[Greg407]

Found a demo site and pulled some good targets including a bunch of wheats, an IH, and a Golden Gate Expo Union Pacific token, but my favorites from the site were the two Southern Pacific RR coat buttons and this brass bullet mold. I don't know the first thing about bullet molds, but one of my hunting buddies said it's probably from the mid to late 1800's. No markings, but wondering if there is any other way of identifying the maker? It's rusted shut at the hinge so I'll probably be soaking it in oil to see if I can get it open soon.

 

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[Valley Ranger]

Great finds! Not sure about ID on the mold, but I'm sure someone will be along to offer suggestions.

 

[WilliamH]

That is really cool. I would love to find a bullet mold. That is a great piece. HH WH

 

[Indianametal]

I would think the caliber would be your beat bet for ID, I would also assume the same time period just because it is made of good brass.

 

[dirtlooter]

it looks to be a small caliber compared to your hand size. maybe electrolysis or some navel jelly will help with the rust? it looks like a pistol ball mold

 

[Jeff In North Georgia]

I found a Colt one several years ago. One side handle was broken off through one of the mold openings. Other handle had been carved into sume type of "special" tool.

Mine was stamped with some info near the pivot.

 

[Greg407]

Thanks all! Looks like I need to get it open.

 

[beez0404]

Excellent finds. I'm partial to the buttons myself cause I do love the buttons.

 

[Greg407]

Excellent finds. I'm partial to the buttons myself cause I do love the buttons.

Know anything about these buttons? All I was able to find is that the maker, Litchfield, went out of business after the 1906 SF quake and fire and so they at least predate that. They are very cool and were dug (along with 3 vest buttons of the same style that my friend found) within a 10 square foot area.

Thanks.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Greg407, because you asked for time-dating:
Joseph M. Litchfield & Company, San Francisco CA, was not a button maker, just a clothing-dealer & tailor. It was in business from 1876 to 1906. Of course, that doesn't automatically mean your Southern Pacific Railroad buttons date as far back as 1876.... but at least you now know the earliest date your Litchfiled-backmarked one could possibly go back to. Info source is the book "American Military Button Makers And Dealers; Their Backmarks & Dates" by McGuinn & Bazelon.

 

[Greg407]

Greg407, because you asked for time-dating: Joseph M. Litchfield & Company, San Francisco CA, was not a button maker, just a clothing-dealer & tailor. It was in business from 1876 to 1906. Of course, that doesn't automatically mean your Southern Pacific Railroad buttons date as far back as 1876.... but at least you now know the earliest date your Litchfiled-backmarked one could possibly go back to. Info source is the book "American Military Button Makers And Dealers; Their Backmarks & Dates" by McGuinn & Bazelon.

Good knowledge. Thanks!!

 

[Silver Tree Chaser]

I don't recall seeing to many brass bullet molds on T-Net. That's a great find. Congrats.

 

[mirage83]

Really like the bullet mold. I'd see what I could do to coax the hinge open without marring the patina on the brass. And I agree with Dirtlooter that it's likely to be for a pistol-ball caliber.