Chain used with 18th century shooting accessories

[jonathan butcher]

In several photos of 18th and 19th century hunting bags I've seen metal chain used to hang shooting accessories from the bag. What is this chain called, why was it used and what are the origins ? Can it still be found ?

 

[Dashing Leper]

I don't know the appropriate name in this context, but this is remarkably similar to a chatelaine, the "keychain" worn by the lady of the house.

 

[Artificer]

In several photos of 18th and 19th century hunting bags I've seen metal chain used to hang shooting accessories from the bag. What is this chain called, why was it used and what are the origins ? Can it still be found ?

Hi Jonathan,

It's called Jack Chain (any figure 8 chain with the loops bent to right angles).

Such chain was mostly used by the period military so the whisk and prick would not be lost in combat or just lost from something weaker used to suspend them that broke too easily.

Most hardware stores carry it in both Brass (which is also period correct) and sometimes "black," meaning it isn't plated. I buy it at Home Depot or Loewes when I need it.

You can also make your own using Black Iron Wire or Brass wire.

Many sutlers sell repros of them as "Whisk and Pick" Sets or "Pan Brush and Pick" sets.

Gus

 

[jonathan butcher]

Gus,
Thank you so much for weighing in,am on the hunt, what gauge chain would you recommend for the stated purpose ?

Hi Jonathan,

It's called Jack Chain (any figure 8 chain with the loops bent to right angles).

Such chain was mostly used by the period military so the whisk and prick would not be lost in combat or just lost from something weaker used to suspend them that broke too easily.

Most hardware stores carry it in both Brass (which is also period correct) and sometimes "black," meaning it isn't plated. I buy it at Home Depot or Loewes when I need it.

You can also make your own using Black Iron Wire or Brass wire.

Many sutlers sell repros of them as "Whisk and Pick" Sets or "Pan Brush and Pick" sets.

Gus

 

[smo]

Check out the toilet repair section at the local hardware store, it looks similar too the chain in a toilets tank..

 

[Pete G]

Check out the toilet repair section at the local hardware store, it looks similar too the chain in a toilets tank..

If you go that route use a soak in vinegar to remove plating.

 

[Artificer]

Gus,
Thank you so much for weighing in,am on the hunt, what gauge chain would you recommend for the stated purpose ?

OK, just looked up some appropriate sized Jack Chain. Unfortunately, the "Brass" chain from Home Depot and other places seem to be only brass plated steel and you don't want that. So here's a link to an appropriate sized brass chain you can buy by the foot.
https://www.stainedglassexpress.com/brass-jack-chain-18-gauge.html
To make the "U" shaped hanger between the chains, you can use 1/16" Brass Brazing rod or Brass Rod like this:
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Hobbies-Collecting/Tools-Blades/Brass-Rods---1-16"/p/24134
If you go with a slightly smaller size brass Jack chain, then the following 3/64 rod is 17 gauge wire size.
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Hobbies-Collecting/Tools-Blades/Brass-Rods---3-64"/p/24133
Here is appropriate size Black Steel Chain, (Steel Chain can be smaller wire diameter than brass and still work well.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-14-x-1-ft-Steel-Jack-Chain-Black-806506/204630494
Here is about the largest diameter wire you can use to make your own and/or make the "U" shape hanger from:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/OOK-50-ft-20-lb-19-Gauge-Dark-Annealed-Steel-Wire-50155/100201532
Gus

 

[Artificer]

P.S. to the above post.

If you have a "Hobby Lobby" or similar craft store in your area, some of these chains and materials might be found there as well.

Gus

 

[toot]

Hi Jonathan,

It's called Jack Chain (any figure 8 chain with the loops bent to right angles).

Such chain was mostly used by the period military so the whisk and prick would not be lost in combat or just lost from something weaker used to suspend them that broke too easily.

Most hardware stores carry it in both Brass (which is also period correct) and sometimes "black," meaning it isn't plated. I buy it at Home Depot or Loewes when I need it.

You can also make your own using Black Iron Wire or Brass wire.

Many sutlers sell repros of them as "Whisk and Pick" Sets or "Pan Brush and Pick" sets.

Gus

IS IT THE SAME CHAIN THAT IS USED IN THE FLUSHING LEVER IN THE REAR TOILET BOWL?

 

[Artificer]

IS IT THE SAME CHAIN THAT IS USED IN THE FLUSHING LEVER IN THE REAR TOILET BOWL?

I just checked both commodes in my house and no, it is not the same chain.

Gus

 

[Artificer]

As a P.S. to my above post, if the toilet chain is not Brass or Brass Plated Chain, then in almost every case I know of, steel toilet chain is plated to resist rusting. That plating makes the chain unacceptable for doing things as authentically as possible. Far better for that use by going with either real Brass or "Black" Steel Jack Chain in the right style, as both are still being made and available, IMO.

Gus

 

[Artificer]

OK, I went on the "Great Toilet Chain Hunt" today at Lowes.

I went through their cut to length chain area, their toilet parts area, and their lighting area and found chain in all of them EXCEPT NONE was period correct. The closest they had was plated steel Jack Chain, which won't cut it for authenticity. Also checked WalMart and they had nothing that was correct, either.

Not sure if I can make it to Home Depot, tomorrow, but will try.

Gus

 

[toot]

if nothing is available anywhere where do yhr venders, TOTW, etc. get it.? have it special made?

 

[GREENSWLDE]

As Artificer & Toot say this Jack Chain. The name comes from it's use. In heavier sizes it was made to drive Meat Jacks in front of a kitchen fire from a fan mounted in the chimney. The original had very round rings but all the modern stuff has more oval links to save weight and the joints are nowhere near as tight. The oval link chain that lies flat as in dog collars is Curb chain. (Horse curbs). I made chain for about 60years at my family's 250 Y/O business and a dog chain business I owned , hence ---OLD DOG.

 

[GREENSWLDE]

This chain made in brass was also used to hang the pans on Small Balance scales and in Iron on larger scales. One military use was on Enfields that had Nipple protectors. A single link was used to join the Pressed Chandelier chain to the split ring which fitted by the trigger guard. Another use was for Pulls on Toilet overhead cisterns. OLD DOG..

 

[Artie Peltier]

In several photos of 18th and 19th century hunting bags I've seen metal chain used to hang shooting accessories from the bag. What is this chain called, why was it used and what are the origins ? Can it still be found ?

Not to change the subject, but that set of accessories,brush, measure and pick are real nice.

 

[Many Klatch]

You can remove plating from chain by immersing the chain in Muriatic acid. That acid is sold in plumbing supplies to clean drains. Give it an hour or two. Then carefully remove it. (Nitrile gloves are good to have) Flush the chain with fresh water, then immerse it in water and dump in some baking soda to kill the acid. Take chain out, steel wool and oil it.

 

[jonathan butcher]

Absolutely terrific replies by all, many thanks! What would you call the small connecting rings, shown in the pic below, were you to search for them ?

 

[Grenadier1758]

One of the Hobby stores such as Michael's in their jewelry findings section.

Might even find a chain.

 

[Jay Templin]

Those are called "jump rings." Like Grenadier says, the easiest place to find them today is the jewelry section of your nearest craft store.
They also sell mandrels and wire, if you want to get crazy and start making your own, but that way lies madness...
Jay