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Early Kentucky Rifle Cleaning Wiper
Description: Nice example of an early Kentucky Rifle cleaning wiper dating from the flintlock and early percussion era. This is a unique two-piece example. Instead of the end being threaded, it was attached to a wood ramrod with a single pin. There is a visible seam near the middle of the implement, and that section may be threaded. These wipers were used to clean the bore of the rifle. The twisted arms or prongs were designed to hold tow, which was then passed through the bore to remove black powder residue and fouling.
Wipers of this type were used with early American rifles such as Kentucky or Pennsylvania rifles. Unlike standard U.S. military-issued examples, these implements were made on a small scale and were meant to accompany a variety of hunting rifles. This example measures just over 3 1/2” in length, and the diameter of the tines is .283”, making it suitable for a rifle of approximately .30 caliber or larger. This piece still has a portion of the original ramrod wood stuck in the end. Often, these pieces were discarded or lost, which is why they are rarer than their military counterparts.
This example remains in nice original condition with an attractive iron patina and small spots of rust here and there. An excellent example of an early American rifleman’s cleaning implement and a great accessory for a Kentucky rifle, Pennsylvania rifle, or early American gun tool collection.
Measures: OAL 3.632” D .283”Reference: "Gun Tools: Their History and Identification” Shaffer, Rutledge & Dorsey Vol. 1, Pg. 101
Shipped via USPS Ground Advantage.
