Here are two cast iron tools whose design is reminiscent of the Ballard de/recapping tools. These tools are unmarked, but the size of the hole indicates they were for large calibers. Both of these tools will nicely accept 50 caliber cartridges. In contradistinction to the Ballard tools, these show evidence that they were cast rather than machined. Also, of course, they are not nickel-plated and do not have the decapping pin cover seen on the Ballard tools. If you look closely, you can just make out a little of the residual yellow/gold lacquer-like finish that is believed to have been originally furnished on these tools.

John Dutcher, in part II of his series of articles entitled "Hand-Held Re-Decapping Tools", in the American Single Shot Rifle News (Volume 37, November-December 1983, pages 1-5) illustrates a similar tool from from the Ed Curtis collection. Further, he points out that four similar tools in different calibers were known in 1983. Since then, a number of additional similar tools have been observed. Some experienced collectors think these represent early Ballard tools, but their definitive identification awaits some lucky collector who finds the evidence to prove it!