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Outstanding late-19th-century sporting and firearms accessory manufactured by The Bridgeport Gun Implement Co., Bridgeport, Connecticut. The original illustrated box identifies it as “The Budd-Petmecky Patent Gun Cleaner” and lists the Sept. 19, 1876 and Nov. 27, 1883 patent dates. Period references confirm that Bridgeport Gun Implement Co. was actively displaying and selling gun-cleaning and loading implements by the 1890s, and the Budd-Petmecky was specifically recognized among the period’s better-known bore cleaners.The ingenious cleaner uses a group of flexible metal fingers that expand against the inside of the shotgun bore as the tool is drawn through. Surviving examples are known in both 10- and 12-gauge sizes and were made to attach to a cleaning rod. Collector research also documents examples made using period brass shotshell-style bodies and notes that versions of the Budd-Petmecky cleaner appeared in early Parker catalogs.This example is especially appealing because it retains its original colorful illustrated box, showing the cleaner on both sides. The metal body is clearly stamped with the Budd and Petmecky patent information. Displays beautifully for an item well over a century old. Please review all photos closely for condition.A great early shotgun, gun-cleaning, sporting goods, hunting, Parker shotgun, ammunition or firearms-accessory collectible—and much harder to find still paired with its original advertising box.
