This is a truly attractive example of the rare Wilmot’s Patent .58 caliber tompion. The unique design uses a brass top and bottom that are connected by a threaded brass rod. In between the two ends is an India Rubber center that is covered in coarse green wool. When the tompion is  “tightened” by screwing the top portion towards the bottom portion, the rubber center expands to fill the muzzle of the musket. The top of the tompion is clearly marked:

Patented November 24 1863

This pattern of tompion is listed in the US 1865 Ordnance Manual for use with the US Model 1855 and Model 1861 rifle musket as “Tompion, Expansible, Wilmot’s Patent”. 

The lower disc of the tompion that goes into the muzzle measures .556” in diameter while the larger disc that sits on the face of the muzzle measures .758” in diameter. The knurled tightening knob measures .548” in diameter. The overall length of the tompion is nominally 1.3” but can be slightly varied by tightening or loosening the tension screw.

This example is in about FINE condition, and still works correctly with the rubber center expanding very slightly when the top is tightened. The brass has a lovely, untouched dark brownish-bronze patina that is quite attractive. The wool covering is in nice condition, with some areas of wear and evenly distributed discoloration to the green wool giving it more of a brownish color. This would be expected for any tompion that saw actual use. Typically, these tompions show at least one or two areas of wear through the wool to the rubber underneath. 

This is a really cool and interesting musket implement that is missing from most Civil War gun tool displays and would be a nice addition to your collection.

SOLD