new vs old flasks...

R

red96ta

New member
So I need a flask.

Sure, I could get a modern reproduction but found a nice one (no dents or dings) at a local antique store for a smidge more that the replicas...should I even consider the antique flasks as a viable option or at this point are they a nice antiquity for display only? If it IS a viable option, what should I be looking for in order to make it reliable?
 
Are you sure that the one at the antique store is old? I bought one at an antique store that I was positive was very old, but it wasn't. I paid about what a repro was worth.
 
I like "Old-School"

I really can't or won't fault old flasks as far as usage. I will say that they are more prone to leak (breath) than new CVA gate valve type flasks. Older metal flasks are also more easily dented. For teaching, I use and older "sealed" flask and horn. For hunting, I use a more modern flask. One is a CVA tube with push-botton valve and the other is the TC clear view (plastic) again, with push-botton valve. If you like it, buy it, seal it and use it. If it's old and collectable, just keep it on the shelf ..... ;)

Be Safe !!!
 
If you're talking about a cheap modern flask, you're wasting your money. As for using an antique flask I wouldn't use one for heavy use because it will get dented sooner or later. Pohill brings up a good point. Just because it's in an antique shop doesn't mean it's an antique.
 
In the eye of the beholder !!!

I collect as well as resell powder flasks & horns. There are some exotics but seldom run into any that would be considered as antiques. You really have to pay attention to the valving and spout areas. In additon, I also make my own horns and pan chargers. Can you tell us what you see as some are pistol flasks and others are rifle shotgun flasks. ..... ;)

Again, if you like the look of it, buy it !! ..... :)

Be Safe !!!
 
While trying to research the "antique" flask that I bought, I learned that flasks are one of the most faked gun items out there.
I read that original flasks had steel screws holding the top on, and the repros have brass screws.
 
To answer the original question . . . you can use an antique flask. However, as hawg points out, you run the risk of damage to it over time. On the new ones, (I'm talking replicas of originals - not the CVS brass tube type) I've never been real happy with the tolerances of the gate as some of them allow for leakage in a hunting bag. It all depends on the quality of the flask though. If you go with a higher quality repro flask - such as a Dixon, (at least the ones that I've seen) the fit of the gate, etc. isn't too bad.

I had a number of both original horns and flasks that I picked up over the years that i liquidated several years ago. I had two original tasks that I used quite often - one was brass and the other zinc Both were tight and had tight valves. I was just careful in using them and didn't carry them when I was hunting. I also used several original horns - "day horns" that probably dated to the late 1800s to the early 1900s.

The zinc flask that I used that was original I picked up in the very early 60s. There weren't a whole lot of repros at that time - not like today. I chuckle when I see some of the listings on flea bay for "original antique flasks" which are obviously modern made replicas. As much as I hate to say it, I've always thought that things of this sort ought to be marked "replica" in some manner in a inconspicuous spot.
 
Pohill is right, I haven't checked to make sure that it's a vintage model at all. The only thing that I DO know is that it is a colt pattern pistol flask....it looks like it has a natural brass patina on it. It doesn't look like a Pedersoli flask that looks like a forced patina with varnish over it.

I might go back and check out the flask this weekend and see if I can get additional details on it.
 
My antique flask. It's small, made for a .31 revolver. The patina is too smooth and too even for it to be old. No dents, and brass screws. It's nice but it's not old. As a bonus, it was filled with FFFG powder, something the store owner did not know.

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