Original Bess Flints

[Asher]

I was looking on eBay at a large lot of the original Bess flints that were found in Nepal, they looked like they were unused, and it started me to thinking - for the price (I think it was under $1/each) that's more economical than buying them new. Has anyone attempted to use any of these original flints in their flinters? :hmm:

 

[KentG]

I bought several of those lots. I got all three sizes - pistol smalls, rifle sized, and mostly the big musket ones. Most are very crude by modern standards, but work wonderfully!

 

[Rifleman1776]

They don't rot.
Buy.

 

[jbwilliams3]

If I didn't have a lifetime's supply, I would definitely buy those.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

Years ago Dixie was selling some flints retrieved from a ship wreck. I got some just to have them. They were way too big for any lock I owned but they worked well in my flint & steel fire kit.

 

[Rod Lassey]

Earlier this fall, Track had a blow out sale on original flints. I bought a few bags--I wish I'd bought more. Some were unusable, but most were in good shape, and came in various sizes.
Many years ago, Navy Arms sold original French amber flints. These were the most well-shaped flints that I've ever had---rear edges rounded, and perfectly parallel tops and bottoms---not a humpback in the bunch, and all rifle size. Another time I'd wish I'd bought more.

Rod