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How to Collect Black Powder Tins & Kegs

Black powder has been used for centuries in muzzleloading rifles and pistols. Traditionally, large amounts of black powder was contained in powder kegs. Smaller amounts of this powder were carried in tins or hollowed horns. All of these items from yesteryear are collected by interested black powder and gun enthusiasts. Today, as of 2011, you can still find these old black powder carrying vessels is various places. You can collect black powder tins and kegs with a little research.

Instructions

- 1
  Check out western antique shops that specialize in western pioneer items used from the 18th and 19th century. These shops generally have old powder kegs and tins for sale, or may know someone who does.
- 2
  Go into gun shops that specialize in muzzleloading weapons and black powder accessories. These shops may have access to antique black powder accessories or catalogues to browse through.
- 3
  Check out western auctions held online or at physical locations. Often these auctions contain items from pioneer days, including black powder firearms, tins, horns, kegs and other accessories. Some online auction sites to check out are HighNoon.com, Cowboy.com and AntiqueTrader.com. Links are provided in the Resources section.
- 4
  Join up with other black powder collecting enthusiasts or join an online black powder gun forum. These other interested collectors can give you advice on where to look for powder kegs and tins, or may want to trade if you have other items of interest. A couple of forums to check out: MuzzleloadingForum.com and the Smoke Pole/Black Powder Forum on Gunboards.com. Links are provided in the Resources section.
- 5
  Ask a local armorer about where to find antique black powder accessories. Old armories may still have antique items such as powder kegs and tins in their storage area.

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