Ideal Mfg. Co. Powder Measure
Does anyone know anything about this powder measure. It is made by Ideal mfg. Co. in Middlefield Conn. USA No. 5. On the back it has a Pat. Date of Aug. 18, 1892. It looks to be in fairly good shape and everything works (powder adjustment). Any help would be appreciated. I have included a couple of pictures. Thanks in advance.
The Ideal Manufacturing Company was one of the early pioneers in reloading equipment starting in the late 1880s with John Barlow's patent of a "Cartridge Implement" issued Dec.23,1884.The tong tool as they are called now.They issued their first Ideal Hand Book in 1892 for reloaders.The Lyman Gunsight Corp. took over Ideal in 1925 and still sells reloading equipment and still sells the 310 tong tool which is a descendant of Barlow's original tools.
The No.5 Powder Measure was introduced about 1904 and continued to be offered until 1949 at which time it was replaced by the No.55 Powder measure.It was one of the first successfull adjustable powder measures to come into use at the time.Older Ideal handbooks have charge settings for different powders for these measures although many of the powders listed have been discontinued long ago.The patent dates on the back have to do with the adjustments for measuring the powder as the the first measure offered,the No.1,featured the same adjustment system.On the collectors market these can run up to $150 depending on completeness and overall condition.They originally came with two brass drop tubes.One 2 inches long and one 7 3/4 inches long.
TY to both of you guys for the neat pix & info.
da gimp
Anybody out there have an Ideal No.1,2,or 4 powder measure. I'm looking for them.
nice to join such a group.
Naples, Maine USA here.
Long ago we were gifted an Ideal #5, Middlefield. Conn., PATENT Aug. 16 1882, Oct. 1, 1895, July 18, 1899.
Thanks for some of the history. We also have some of its brother equipment, all in excellent condition.
Wondering if it will work with the new flake powders. WE do a bit of reloading..
Doing research just now, if you have info to offer, it would be much appreciated.
I am still using one. I'm the third generation reloader!
It's a pleasure to join someone that is knowledgable. Thanks. I have recently acquired a Ideal Mfg New Haven CT 12 g. reloader, Pat. July 1899. I'm trying to understand how this antique reloader works, especially the chain hanging from the bottom. This is my first delving in any type of reloader, therefore I am absolutely lost. All I know is the manufacturer (no longer in business), and brass stamping of patent date on powder and shot measure (I think?) Can you offer any information on what these pictures tell someone about what I've got. Any help is graciously appreciated, thanks in advance.
-Barney (Joplin, MO) oops! I've got a problem, I dont know how to post my photos from my computer to this forum. Please advise so I can complete my post. Thanks, again!
I believe what you have is the Ideal Improved Loading Machine based on the Ideal No.3 powder and shot measure.Lyman Corp. are the successors to the old Ideal.Mfg.Co.Originally Posted by barney
The Ideal No.3 duplex measure dropped powder and shot by turning the measure handle one way for powder and the opposite way for shot.The chain with the foot loop on it operated the part of the press that seated wads by foot pressure.They are rather complex and often found missing pieces.I have one but I'm missing the two trays for holding shells and wads.They're circa 1900 state of the art shotshell loaders.The patent dates on the measure have to do with John Barlows patents for the measuring slides on the rotor of the powder measure.
JB- extreme thanks for your reply, pictures are attached, I'm not sure what you're missing on yours, does mine have it? How complete of a reloader do I have? One of my local gun guys had never seen this unit before and thought it might've been designed for commercial purposes. Am I missing handle? Because others I've seen have two handles. Nice to get help from an Illinois guy helping his neighbor in Missouri.
Last edited by barney; 03-07-2012 at 08:44.
JBinIll thanks, finally got pics loaded. please take a look and if possible advise of what i've got on my hands.
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