Trapdoor Rifles

Thought you might be interested in this. I bought this tool off of a link on Al's website long ago. I think his name was Frank and he lived nearby in California. I called him and we had a long conversation. He sent the mirror before payment. When I got it I thought I would get 2 more for my trapdoor friends as it was so well made. I called him again and got a total for the 3 and sent him a check. If I remember he had to make the 2 and it took awhile but they showed up. It is the best inspection mirror for the trapdoor I have and I have a few others.
He sent the copy of the Gun Report article with it ( not a very good copy so sorry). There appears to be no known original examples of the mirror made by the government. The article discusses one found that is similar. This copy is also in the article without the makers name referenced. I heard he passed away some time ago. I am sure some here knew him. Hopefully some of you can add info on this devise.

Its possible the arsenal never made them as there were some on the market already and Winchester had patents on theirs. look at the lawsuit over the add on pistol grips both wood and metal Freund and brother had patents on that item and the lawsuit was not settled until 1926.
The gentleman is older now but still with us. He still gets our club newsletter each month along with his son who is on this site as well.

That would definitely be a neat item to have!

carlsr wrote: ↑Thu Sep 26, 2024 9:11 pm That would definitely be a neat item to have!

It surely would. FWIW, I have always used the parkerized steel device from the M1 era. Works great, and it is strange how sometimes a barrel will look significantly different depending on which way you look at it.

Hello
Frank, or as I like to call him Dad, is still alive and is 87 years old, lost one eye, be carefull of those bungee's, and is still in pretty good health.
his days of making stuff is almost over, sight is getting worse and a little harder to do fine work.
I will see if I can find the original article to scan and post so it is more legible.

And from the 1888 Report of the Chief of Ordnance

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear he is still kicking. I guess mixed him up with another person who had passed. And thanks for the scans, much better. Tell him I use my mirror regularly and much apricate it.
Like Dick my first bore mirror was a WWII steel 30 cal one that I bought in the 70's and it goes to all gun shows etc with me.

Great information thanks for posting.

Thanks for posting. By chance does he have any left?

Frank