Here is a little selection of Remington rifle re/decappers. These are displayed with earlier tools first, although the chronology is not definite. This first tool has a Berdan decapping chisel and a capper out on the end. Note that the seater has a recess in which the rim of the cartridge fits to stabilize the case during seating of the primer. A 44-77 Sharps cartridge fits nicely into that recess. This tool is numbered 65; the number is seen on the side and is difficult to spot with the heavy black enamel-like japanned finish (it is shown in the insert). It presumably represents a serial number. No caliber marking is apparent.

This next one is essentially identical to those pictured in period promotional literature as being of Whitney manufacture. I always thought these were a Whitney product, but some have suggested that Remington sold identical tools. It is not clear if these were manufactured by Remington for Whitney arms, or manufactured by Whitney for Remington, but it seems unlikely that both companies would have manufactured tools which appear so similar in appearance. Notice the distinctive "bulge" of the frame forward of the hinge screw. No caliber marking, serial number or identification marks are seen on the tool. It has no provision for seating a new primer.

Here is a comparison between the tool above and the next model. Both sides of each tool are shown. The next model tool also has a black finish, but is marked with the patent date of April 6th, 1875 and caliber. The caliber marking is typically hard to see as it is stamped at the base of the well cut to accommodate the cartridge case during decapping with the Berdan chisel. These tools are found in a variety of calibers and can be used to perform both decapping and recapping functions. Note the adjustable screw for getting the depth of primer seating correct and the difference in lengths of the handles between the two variations. Go to the next Remington page for close-up images and more cappers.