32 S&W for all you 32 caliber fans

[Pressman]

On March 11 and December 23, 1884 John H. Barlow would receive U.S. Patent numbers 294,955 and 309,681 for his Ideal Manufacturing Company’s No. 1 loading (tong) tool. From 1885 into 1891 Barlow’s tools would be sold by other retailers, such as, Marlin, Stevens, Colt, and Smith & Wesson. The No. 1 tool was initially “shown in the 1885 Marlin Catalog.” Along with the No.1 tool the purchaser received a decapping pin and a fixed charge (Black) powder measure. There is no bullet sizing hole in the handles, the user smeared lube on with his fingers and inserted it into the case over a single charge cup measure of black powder.

This tool is somewhat rare as it is sold under Marlin ownership, but the tool is not marked as Marlin Ideal. Only New Haven in very thin script as if the original Ideal name was polished off. This would make it Ideal inventory as purchased by Marlin in 1915.

[Green Frog]

Way cool, Ken. Have you actually loaded any rounds with it yet?

Froggie

[Pressman]

Froggie, with this cold weather I thought you might like something to warm your heart.

No, I don't have enough components.

[John Wayne]

Those are cool tools and a beautiful box! They provided the average guy the ability to reload his own ammo and save money which led to the reloading industry we cherish today.

[trapper9260]

That is one interesting tool . made it simple .

[MrWolf]

I actually have one, tool only, that came with a small bag of cast bullets from it. I have a few of the 32's and have a 32l that I will someday try for my Marlin 32 long colt. Very interesting tools.
Ron

[Green Frog]

Don’t you know that we amphibians are poikilothermic? Even so, the cockles of my little froggie heart do feel a little warm!

One of the first “antique” Ideal tools I bought was a boxed set Model 3 tool in 32 S&W. It came in the familiar old yellow label box, but had some later dies added as well. It’s the crown jewel of my tong tool collection!

Froggie

[Bazoo]

That is real neat. Thanks for sharing that. Is that nickeled? Were they all nickeled or was it available as an option? I didn't see it specified if it was a 32 short or long, or both?

[curiousgeorge]

Hi Ken
PM me what components you want and they will be on the way. How about some balloon head 32 S&W (& solid head), some small pistol primers, a little BE, and some 311 sized 90 gr RN? I won't tell the post office if you won't.

[MrWolf]

That is real neat. Thanks for sharing that. Is that nickeled? Were they all nickeled or was it available as an option? I didn't see it specified if it was a 32 short or long, or both?

Pressman's is a 32 S&W. I actually got mine like it first when I didn't realize the difference with a 32L. I have a 32I also that I think I got trying to find the 32L.

[Bazoo]

So 32S&W = short. And it would be speak fixable marked I it was a Long version. What does I stand for? Not familiar with the brace of old 32 cartridges.

[Green Frog]

I = Inside Lubed probably. This was a big deal in the early days... whether the case was the same diameter as the bullet (with a “heeled” bullet and outside lubing) or the case large enough to contain the full diameter of the bullet. Colt 32s used the former back then, and Smith 32s used the latter.

Froggie

[Bent Ramrod]

The “.32I” was for the .32 Ideal, a short-lived round developed by Reuben Harwood (nom-de-plume “Iron Ramrod”) and the Stevens Company. A rifle round; not for pistols.

That’s a nice specimen, Ken. I think I have one around here somewhere, too. The loading tools and containers for the little bureau-drawer revolvers, like the revolvers themselves, seem to have better chances of being found in pristine condition than the more heavily used larger caliber stuff.