"brass caps"

[44 Dave]

I have about 1/3 tin of very good hot percussion caps that I got in the late '60s.
I only use them when I can't afford a hang fire!
Some where the got transferred to another tin, so I don't know what they are
They are brass not copper the gray stuff in them is not foil covered.
the brass does not split and fall in the works like the softer copper ones.
Would they be mercury fulminate or potassium chlorate.
I am afraid that they may be more corrosive.
Where can I get more?
Dave

 

[zimmerstutzen]

Probably Italian, perhaps fiocci
Many companies sold brass fiocci caps under their name including alcan and cva

 

[raa-7]

I know that they used mercury in the older percussion caps but I'm not sure when they stopped using it.I have read a little about them,being curious about what they put in the caps. I do know that it was first used in the early 1800's and on, and was said that the fulminate weakened in time, so it wasnt 100% reliable and that they stopped using it mainly because it was toxic, and also corrosive to the guns.Maybe they're potassium chlorate ? Merry Christmas everyone

 

[arcticap]

44 Dave,
Do they resemble either of these?

Brass Caps

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=256474

Fiocchi #11's & RWS Musket Caps

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=402059

 

[44 Dave]

Yes,
Click image for larger version Name: P1000518a45%.JPG Views: 795 Size: 105.9 KB ID: 53596
These are them, mine are 10

 

[BHP FAN]

I have a few [very few] that I use when other caps don't go bang, mine are generic Dixie Gunworks caps from the '70's.

 

[the Black Spot]

Mine were in a black CVA plastic tin like in picture, they never fell off split or failed to fire, wish they made them like that now