A1 was invented in England by the chef for King George IV in 1831, long before the Civil War. 1862 refers when A1 was made available to the non-royal masses in 1862 as a British commercial product. It came to the US in 1906.
How was the pipe frame assembled? Extra long threads that were backed in to the tee? I have used left/right couplings with purchased l/r nipples a long time ago but have never seen tees with left hand threads.
Yeah only a couple that needed it and since not having to be air tight sealed joints they are just kinda loose. everything else is good and tight so no wobb!es. unions are pricey.