Unknown tool

[pete5409]

A friend found this tool that belonged to his grandfather and we have no idea what it´s for. Can someone help me?

 

[Jim Watson]

Berdan primer decapping tool.

 

[pete5409]

berdan deprimer

Thanks for the assist! Can you tell me how to use it?

 

[Jim Watson]

Understand, I did not use one when I was helping a friend reload Berdan primed ammo, but what you do is hook the "beak" over the rim of the case and drive the pointed awl in through the indent of the fired primer and pry it out. Take care not to drive the awl into the integral anvil which could cause misfires.
Only matters if you have Berdan cases AND Berdan primers, which are hard to find in USA.

 

[Marco Califo]

If you do in fact have Berdan Primed brass, it is easier to get a dowel close to bullet diameter, fill the case with water, while mounting case over a hole or hollow for the primer (drill a primer size hole in a 2x4). Hold the dowel in the neck, and strike with a mallet. The primer should pop out. But only do it if you have new Berdam Primers available. Then, you can use the tool as a paper weight.