new vs old flasks...

red96ta · August 5, 2012, 03:17 PM

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?

pohill · August 5, 2012, 03:47 PM

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.

Pahoo · August 5, 2012, 03:55 PM

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 !!!

Hawg · August 5, 2012, 04:20 PM

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.

Pahoo · August 5, 2012, 04:36 PM

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 !!!

pohill · August 5, 2012, 07:07 PM

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.

bedbugbilly · August 5, 2012, 08:55 PM

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.

red96ta · August 5, 2012, 09:18 PM

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.

pohill · August 6, 2012, 08:21 AM

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.

Mk VII · August 6, 2012, 06:07 PM

The spout thread (M10 x 1.0 on the modern Italian repros) may not be compatible with old flasks.

August 5, 2012, 03:17 PM	#1
red96ta Member Join Date: July 6, 2012 Posts: 50	new vs old flasks... 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?

August 5, 2012, 03:55 PM	#3
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	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 !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

August 5, 2012, 04:36 PM	#5
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	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 !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

August 5, 2012, 08:55 PM	#7
bedbugbilly Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2009 Posts: 3,290	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. __________________ If a pair of '51 Navies were good enough for Billy Hickok, then a single Navy on my right hip is good enough for me . . . besides . . . I'm probably only half as good as he was anyways. Hiram's Rangers Badge #63

August 5, 2012, 03:47 PM	#2
pohill Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2005 Location: northeast Posts: 521	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.

August 5, 2012, 04:20 PM	#4
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,376	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.

August 5, 2012, 07:07 PM	#6
pohill Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2005 Location: northeast Posts: 521	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.

August 5, 2012, 09:18 PM	#8
red96ta Member Join Date: July 6, 2012 Posts: 50	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.

August 6, 2012, 08:21 AM	#9
pohill Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2005 Location: northeast Posts: 521	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.

August 6, 2012, 06:07 PM	#10
Mk VII Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2000 Location: England Posts: 457	The spout thread (M10 x 1.0 on the modern Italian repros) may not be compatible with old flasks.