Tingle MFG. CO. Model of 1960 Muzzle Loader, Blue & Case Colored 9 ½” .41 Cal Single Shot Percussion Pistol, ATF Antique
SOLD
LSB#: 160701GD01
Make: Tingle MFG. CO.
Model: This item closely resembles the “Model of 1960” but is not marked with a model number.
Serial Number: 604
Year of Manufacture: 1960’s-1970’s; this pistol is ATF classified Antique
Caliber: The muzzle diameter is 0.424” in the grooves, 0.411” on the lands.
Action Type: Single Shot, Exposed Hammer, Muzzle Loaded Percussion Pistol
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “TINGLE MFG. CO. / SHELBYVILLE, IND. U.S.A.”, the left side of the barrel (when removed from the frame), underside of the frame, trigger guard plate and butt of the grip frame are marked with the serial number. The top of the barrel is marked “P”.
Barrel Length: 9 ½”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge-style blade that is integral to a rise in the barrel. The rear sight is a wide square notched leaf which is slotted onto the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a one piece varnished hardwood item. The stock shows scattered light to moderate depth handling marks and a couple of gouges on the upper left side. The grips rate in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, with Case-Colored Hammer
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. The blued finish is thinning and there are instances of pin prick erosion, light oxidation and general handling marks found throughout the surfaces; the back of the rear sight has some pitting, please see our pictures. The straps of the grip frame have handling wear to bare metal with a settling patina. The case coloring of the hammer is still vivid. The metal, under the finish, shows crude finishing marks that give a neat antiquated feel to the pistol. The screw head slots range from light to moderate tooling. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This is a single shot, muzzle loaded in-line black powder pistol, the hammer has a half-cock safety. The barrel can be removed by loosening a single hex screw on the underside of the frame. The hammer has a smooth, strong spring and the trigger pull is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: From http://www.gundigest.com/gun-collecting-firearm-collecting/tingles-creation-still-amazes “Born Sept. 18, 1925, in Decatur County, Ind., Robert G. Tingle was a cranky World War II veteran who set up an all-purpose blacksmith and welding shop just outside the smallish town of Shelbyville in east central Indiana. According to Jim Guy, Tingle’s sole full-time paid worker, Tingle was an unpredictable eccentric with a knack for shaping metal. “Bob was a mechanical genius,” Guy said, “and he could out-cuss anyone I ever met. When he got in a bad mood, which was fairly often, he’d lock himself in his shop and yell at anybody who tried to get in. I never really figured him out.” In 1959, Tingle decided to put his talents to use manufacturing black-powder guns. According to Erwin Fagel, one of his shooting buddies, it seemed the thing to do at the time. “Bob and I were shooting black powder in the early 50s, long before it became popular,” Erwin said. “We’d go out to Brady Meltzer’s farm and shoot all day long. We shot original guns because they didn’t make replicas back then. Pretty soon, Bob decided he could probably make a decent gun himself. And he could. He could make anything.”” This item closely resembles Tingle’s Model of 1960 but is not marked with a model number. The muzzle diameter is 0.424” in the grooves, 0.411” on the lands. The bore is still bright with sharply defined rifling and no erosion, the action functions with smooth fluidity and the barrel can be removed from the frame by loosening a hex screw. This is a rare opportunity to own a pistol that is no longer made and is one hell of a robust single shot! Unfortunately, Mr. Tingle passed away in 1978, so now is your chance to get one of his creations. Please see our pictures and good luck.
