Gunpowder flask and antique weapon repairs

In good condition, these weapons are valuable antique collectibles. Others that require a bit of work can often be cleaned and restored by hobbyists. Cast metal parts or wood blanks, which can be molded to replace damaged or missing stock, can be obtained from specialized suppliers. Even old gunpowder explodes, so make sure no weapon you are repairing is loaded. Insert the drumstick, or a piece of wood, into the barrel to check for any obstructions. If there is, remove it with a modern shotgun cleaning rod that has a screw point, or use an ordinary steel screw welded to a stiff piece of wire. Screw the rod gently into the clog and pull it out like a cork. Wash the keg in hot water and dry it.

To disassemble the gun, first cock halfway, then remove the screw holding the tap (on flintlock) or hammer (on percussion type) and slide it out. Unscrew the pivot of the tray cover and the screw that holds the spring under the tray: remove the parts. Unscrew the retaining bolts or screws and remove the locking plate. Multiple screwdrivers may be required – the blade must fit exactly into each screw or bolt slot so that the screw or bolt is not lowered. If they are difficult to remove, applying a little penetrating oil will suffice. To remove a spark mechanism, loosen the four screws that hold the mainspring, pawl, fire spring, and flange. Compress the actual spring (into a small vise), remove the spring screw, and remove the spring. The pin at the rear of the mainspring engages the lock plate and the other end of the spring engages the tip of the dryer.

Remove rust with fine sandpaper or dust. Make sure to remove all abrasive dust after cleaning. Smear all parts with petroleum jelly and reassemble. Press the dryer down to the trip position so that the end of the actual spring covers it. Put the cock in and pull it to the half cocked position so that the tip of the glass compresses the mainspring. Replace the rest of the parts in the reverse order of removal.

To clean the barrel, first remove it from the broth. A metal extension of the barrel, the tang, enters the stock. Remove the dowel screws and retaining bands or pins. The trigger guard, cylinder head cover, and ramrod tubes are bolted or doweled and must be removed with great care. If the screws do not yield to the penetrating oil, leave them alone; it will be a job for an antique restorer to pierce them. Kegs and other metal parts can be cleaned with a mixture of oil and paraffin. Re-polish all parts with progressively finer abrasives; Finish with jewelry sandpaper or saffron. Some barrels may have been browned to prevent oxidation, and a special bluing fluid can be purchased from a gunsmith. Try not to leave fingerprints on the barrel, as this causes rust.

Clean the broth with steel wool and linseed oil. If cylinder head is broken, stir with mixed epoxy resin to a paste with matching dyed sawdust. If the material does not have minor repairs, a new material can be made from a completely new piece of wood. Small dents in the broth can be removed using hot steam from an iron. Place a cloth over the dent and apply the hot iron.

The powder jars were made in hundreds of designs and various materials. However, most of the old jars were pear-shaped and made from tin, brass, or Britannia metal. Metal flasks were generally made in two halves welded together. If the seam has opened, find out what alloy the flask is made of before attempting to solder it again. A simple test is to put a few drops of water in a cup and add an equal number of drops of nitric acid, which can be obtained from a chemist. Put a drop of the solution on the metal to reveal the color. Reddish brown indicates bronze; yellow and yellowish red, brass; dark gray pewter; and shiny silver gray Britannia metal. To polish the antique bottle, use the appropriate technique for the material from which it is made. Many powder jars have highly detailed engravings, reliefs, or etchings that give them a unique look. An antique pistol without its matching or specific powder flask loses its appeal when antique collectors look to add something to their collection.

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