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Star Reloaders Discussion Forums => Star Reloaders => Topic started by: itsnotyou on October 08, 2017, 10:53:47 am

Title: Pre Pattent Star
Post by: itsnotyou on October 08, 2017, 10:53:47 am
I got this star reloader a few months ago. I am told it is a pre-patent Star. Trying to decide if I should invest the money to get it back to full working condition. does anyone have an idea of its value?
Title: Re: Pre Pattent Star
Post by: rbwillnj on October 08, 2017, 11:18:50 am
Not sure what you have into the machine, but from what I can see you are missing the handle, primer magazine and follower, and the powder magazine, so about $160 worth of parts.   It's a Progressive model for 38 Special or .357 only, but it has a case feeder which is plus.   If complete with the additional parts, I think you are looking at $300-$350.

It is a nice very early Progressive dating back to the Mid 30's.  It has a "0" size powder slide housing, but it's not marked "No 0", so it predates the "00" powder slide housing.   In it's original state it would have had a nickel plated brass powder magazine and a handle with a brass feral.  The very earliest Progressives from the early thirties actually had a brass/bronze powder slide housing and a powder slide that was even smaller than the "0".

Did you ever hear back from Ken Neeld at ARTCA?  I know he is looking for a Pat. Pending machine for their archive.

Bruce Williams
Title: Re: Pre Pattent Star
Post by: cc656d on October 11, 2017, 08:31:58 am
   Bruce
Were the early Stars like this one drilled and tapped for a case feeder ?
  David
Title: Re: Pre Pattent Star
Post by: rbwillnj on October 11, 2017, 09:11:25 am
I don't think Star started to factory drill and tap for the Hulme case feeder until about 1959.  Hulme offered a kit to enable owners of older machines to properly locate, drill and tap the base for the case feeder.

The case feeder on the Pat. Pending machine is obviously a later addition.

Not sure when Hulme case feeders appeared on the market.  I assume in the 50"s.  Anyone know?
Title: Re: Pre Patent Star
Post by: fc60 on October 11, 2017, 12:02:25 pm
Greetings,

My 1959-1960 Gil Hebard catalog lists the Hulme Case feeder for the Phelps.

Same case feeder, different machine.

Cheers,

Dave
Title: Hulme Case Feeder
Post by: fc60 on October 12, 2017, 12:29:32 pm
Greetings,

More clues...

American Rifleman, January 1951, page 79 has a Hulme Advertisement. Also says "Patent Pending".

Cheers,

Dave
Title: Re: Pre Pattent Star
Post by: 824tsv on October 12, 2017, 02:49:51 pm
I can't locate the article, but I remember reading the Bio of Hulme Firearm Service (maybe here, but I can't find it) Maybe someone can post up a link if they can locate it.
Title: Re: Pre Pattent Star
Post by: rbwillnj on October 13, 2017, 09:21:54 am
Good find Dave.