New member and old powder flask that needs fixing.

[DocCharlie]

Hello everyone ! I would like to introduce myself, I am a Us army veteran tanker with a deployment to Iraq in 2005-2006.
I grew up with firearms, hunting, and fishing and I still enjoy it all. My favorite movie of all time is The Good The Bad and The Ugly. I remember watching it as a kid with my father. And I just recently watched it with my kids. I only recently became interested in black powder weapons. I have my late fathers 1858 army .44 revolver that I have never shot. And I have been itching to shoot it. So I have been researching on here and on YouTube. And during my research I have started to become addicted to black powder revolvers. I just ordered a pietta 1851 navy in .36 cal. I am very excited to take them both out. Especially my fathers .44. I also came across an old satchel of his with muzzleloading gear. I found some old Dixie gun works percussion caps and brass flask that I would like to use. The brass flask needs some cleaning up. There is some oxidation and also the lever to release the powder is broken/missing. Before I attempt to clean it up I was wondering if anyone had some recommendations on how to clean it without ruining it. And also if there is a replacement part for the lever. I appreciate any info you guys might give me. thank you all in advance, and for all that I have learned just by reading on here!

 

[skeeterfogger]

I have seen parts online for flasks. Can't remember which ones of too of my head but will post if I can find again.
Do you know the date of manufacture for your 1858?
Is it steel frame or brass?
My steel frame shoots very good with 22gns and a .454 ball or 18gns and a conical.

 

[DocCharlie]

Thanks skeeter! I’d love to know what loads are typically shot through it. It is a Dixie gun works model and made in Italy. Those are the only markings besides black powder only. My father got it sometime before I was born.

 

[skeeterfogger]

Track of the Wolf and dixie gun works both showed 13/16 and 1/ 1/8 springs in stock.

 

[skeeterfogger]

There should be either a stamped box with letters or roman numerals stamped on it

 

[arcticap]

Before I attempt to clean it up I was wondering if anyone had some recommendations on how to clean it without ruining it. And also if there is a replacement part for the lever. I appreciate any info you guys might give me. thank you all in advance, and for all that I have learned just by reading on here!

Here's the spring to fix your flask
There's a small photo at the top of the page that shows your flask.
My guess is that it's called the peace & friendship flask. --->>> https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/71/1/FLASK-SPRING-L

 

[skeeterfogger]

Look along the frame under the cylinder

 

[DocCharlie]

There should be either a stamped box with letters or roman numerals stamped on it

Ok I will give it a closer look!

 

[DocCharlie]

Here's the spring to fix your flask
There's a small photo at the top of the page that shows your flask.
My guess is that it's called the peace & friendship flask. --->>> https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/71/1/FLASK-SPRING-L

Awesome thank you!!!

 

[Sim Carstairs]

That’s a repro Zouave rifle flask made by one of several Italian companies. The spring can be had from Dixie Gun Works for several dollars. It’s only held in place by one screw. Easy fix.

 

[DocCharlie]

This is the only other marking I can find on gun without taking it apart.

 

[DocCharlie]

That’s a repro Zouave rifle flask made by one of several Italian companies. The spring can be had from Dixie Gun Works for several dollars. It’s only held in place by one screw. Easy fix.

Thank you Sim!!!

 

[DocCharlie]

This is the only other marking I can find on gun without taking it apart.

I lied, there is a 42 marked underside of barrel

 

[DocCharlie]

Thanks so much everyone for the help finding that spring for the flask!! What do you guys think is the best way to go about cleaning up the oxidation on the flask?

 

[arcticap]

I don't want to steer you wrong with cleaning the flask and recommend anything that will alter the finish.
But Brasso metal polish will shine it up to a mirror finish if you simply rub it enough. --->>> https://www.walmart.com/ip/Brasso-M...hrome-Aluminum-Pewter-Bronze-Cleaner/31954265
I don't see how polishing it can be avoided.
It will eventually tarnish back up.
See what others have to say.

Did you notice if the caps are brass?
FWIW the Italian caps may be corrosive, just make sure to clean the gun promptly after shooting.

Those marks are simply Italian proof marks.
Not maker's marks or the proof date code.

Welcome to the THR black powder forum Doc Charlie!

 

[skeeterfogger]

If I remember right I used bartenders friend. Use gloves. It will take it down to stripped clean. There are plenty of gentler stuff.

 

[skeeterfogger]

Post pics of all the markings

 

[DocCharlie]

I don't want to steer you wrong with cleaning the flask and recommend anything that will alter the finish.
But Brasso metal polish will shine it up to a mirror finish if you simply rub it enough. --->>> https://www.walmart.com/ip/Brasso-M...hrome-Aluminum-Pewter-Bronze-Cleaner/31954265
I don't see how polishing it can be avoided.
It will eventually tarnish back up.
See what others have to say.

Did you notice if the caps are brass?
FWIW the Italian caps may be corrosive, just make sure to clean the gun promptly after shooting.

Those marks are simply Italian proof marks.
Not maker's marks or the proof date code.

Welcome to the THR black powder forum Doc Charlie!

Thanks Arcticap! Yes they appear to be brass but old. They have sat in a garage for the last 30 years.

 

[Sim Carstairs]

Don’t waste your time cleaning the flask. It’s just going to massively tarnish when handling it with black powder on your skin while loading. The patina on there now is just starting to get some character.

Attached is a pic of a cavalry guy with a Remington like yours. Solid, accurate revolver.

 

[DocCharlie]

Post pics of all the markings

Those are all of the visible markings that are visible besides the serial number. There might be more if I break the gun completely down. I will post when I do that!

 

[DocCharlie]

Don’t waste your time cleaning the flask. It’s just going to massively tarnish when handling it with black powder on your skin while loading. The patina on their now is just starting to get some character.

Attached is a pic of a cavalry guy with a Remington like yours. Solid, accurate revolver.

That is a cool photo! Must of been something to carry one of these revolvers back then!

 

[skeeterfogger]

Markings might be on frame under grips.

 

[Cemetery21]

Don’t waste your time cleaning the flask.

That's my thought as well. I would go to some lengths to get the patina you already have.

 

[arcticap]

The flask looks pretty grungy, with what looks to be either mold or mildew which is fungus, along with rust and virdigris.
It can be polished up, and then add a coat of car wax to help protect it for years to come.

 

[DocCharlie]

The flask looks pretty grungy, with what looks to be either mold or mildew which is fungus, along with rust and virdigris.
It can be polished up, and then add a coat of car wax to help protect it for years to come.

I do like the patina, I just want to rid it of the rust. Not sure what is best way to remove the rust without scratching it up.