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A while back I posted a question Re: "My Old Bore Cleaner" from Brownell's I see it in a photo in this Double Gun Journal on page 86 as "Tomlinson Shotgun Cleaner"
Anyone have experience with these?
How popular were they in the past?
Thank you.

Before the advent of shot cups they were used to remove leading. they were made in different bore sizes and were adjustable to fit variations in bore size.

I use them all the time--they're great! The brass wire pads that come with it work fine but I also wrap a little steel wool around them to really cut the plastic. They beat anything else on the market hands down. It would probably be cost prohibitive for a company to try to make them today of the same material.

August 12, 1899
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1899/VOL_33_NO_21/SL3321013.pdf
The Tomlinson cleaner for shotguns, manufactured by I.J. Tomlinson, 106 Courtland Street, Syracuse, N. Y., is a most valuable article for users of the shot gun. It is a thorough lead remover and will not injure the finest gun barrel. It will keep the gun from rusting and pitting. It will fit any cleaning rod, and is easy to use. A neat catalogue issued by the above manufacturer will be mailed free on application.

March 31, 1900
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1900/VOL_35_NO_02/SL3502013.pdf
C. E. Tomlinson, Syracuse, N. Y., maker of the Tomlinson gun cleaner, is having a good trade this season and his capacity is pushed to the limit. Last season he sold over 20,000 of the gun cleaners and the best of satisfaction was given; The price of the cleaner is $1.00 sent post paid to any part of the world.
It is guaranteed to remove rust and lead without injuring the barrels.

Tomlinson was competing with the Lefever-Singer cleaner
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1899/VOL_32_NO_24/SL3224015.pdf
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1900/VOL_35_NO_23/SL3523013.pdf
Later just the Lefever cleaner
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1904/VOL_44_NO_04/SL4404021.pdf

Chamberlin Cartridge "Blue Rock" cleaner
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1901/VOL_36_NO_20/SL3620013.pdf
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1901/VOL_36_NO_23/SL3623014.pdf

Chan M. Powers brass cleaning rod by Faries Mfg.
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1896/VOL_27_NO_10/SL2710022.pdf

Bridgeport Gun Implement Co. Budd-Petmecky cleaner
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1895/VOL_25_NO_24/SL2524020.pdf

My 12-gauge Tomlinson cleaner on my C.M. Powers brass rod by Faries Mfg. Co., Decatur, Ill. is marked U.H.Co. (Union Hardware?).

Professor Joe talked me into buying one; they are great. I found another in mint condition along with the box. It looks like it has never been used. I don't use it either; I like old stuff.

Brownell's sells them as "MY Old Bore Cleaner"
A bit pricey $100.00 I think they are.
I see some nice ones on E-Bay for much less.

Here's one for an 8g:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tomlinson-Gun-Cl...=item4adc78e43f

OWD