Cleaning Black Powder Revolvers in the Old Days!

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Does anyone have any historical info on how the Colt revolvers were cleaned from 1847 on through the Civil War. I think many of us would find that very interesting!

Thanks,
Speckster

 

[Malamute]

Hot water, then dried and oiled.


Cold water works fine too, but it doesnt help dry the metal like hot water does.

 

[scrat]

Agreed i have some old colt paperwork i am replicating. This is what i have so far. as im still working on it.

DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING
Set the lock at half cock, drive out the key that holds the barrel and cylinder to the lock frame, then draw off the barrel and cylinder, by bringing down the lever and forcing the rammer on the portion between the chambers. Take out the nipples. Wash the cylinder and barrel in warm water, dry and oil them thoroughly; oil freely the base pin on which the cylinder revolves.
TO TAKE THE LOCK TO PIECES, CLEAN AND OIL
First-Remove the stock, by turning out bottom and two rear screws that fasten it to guard and lock-frame near hammer
Second-Loosen the screw that fastens mainspring to the trigger-guard, and turn spring from under tumbler of the hammer
Third-Remove the trigger-guard, by turning out the three screws that fasten it to the lock-frame
Fourth-Turn out the screw, and remove the double screw spring that bears upon the trigger and bolt.

 

[armedandsafe]

My maternal grandfather told me he cleaned his old singleshot (circa late 1700s) in the coffee pot, when in the field.

Pops