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38 S&W Tool and mould

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TXGunNut

Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess

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June 22, 2025 - 8:01 am

Was visiting a collector recently who showed me a Winchester mould and reloading tool in 38 S&W. I can’t say I’ve seen either before, I believe the tool was an 1882 but must admit I forgot to check. He’s had them quite some time after obtaining them from another collector. They are in very good condition other than the normal little dings. He asked me if they were rare and I couldn’t say, I only knew I hadn’t seen either before. I have several tools and moulds but they are all Winchester calibers or 45 Gov. He asked me about the values but my best guess was a wide range. Any hints? I wish I had taken a few pics, I’ll ask him to send a few pics later when normal folks are awake.

Mike

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Maverick

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June 22, 2025 - 8:17 pm

I wouldn’t classify it as Rare but more “UNCOMMON”. Obviously Winchester proprietary calibers being the most common and mass produced. The 1882 Tool in 38 S&W can be found more often than some other calibers that Winchester listed for the tool in their catalogs. Especially Sharps calibers, etc. I’d have to dig it out and photograph it, but I have a boxed 1882 Tool in 38 S&W.

They listed the 38 S&W caliber in catalogs and on instruction sheets all the years that the 1882 Tool was produced, some 40 odd years. Less common and somewhat rare or say even less common is 1882 Tools in “38 S&W Special” but this is due to the cartridge didn’t come out until 1902. So it was obviously produced for a less amount of time.

What truly is RARE is the 1875 Tool in 38 S&W. The 38 S&W was introduced in 1877, so not only is the 1875 Tool much older & harder to find, that particular caliber would have been produced for a less period of time during its production. But in general the 1875 Tool is somewhat rarer tool to find to begin with.

Sincerely,

Maverick