Back in the late 1970's, maybe it was the early 1980's, I got to thinking there had to be something better for priming a flinter other than a horn or one of those 3 grain priming flasks with the little push valve that had a tendency to clog up on humid or wet days. Not having any equipment like a lathe or a mill to make such an item, let alone the skill to attempt it, I knew I would have to rely upon readily available commercial parts. I finally figured out that by using a 120 grain Treso fixed powder measure, a push button horn valve, and a valve bushing, I could put all those parts together and have a pretty good primer.
In digging around at various antique shops, I found a little beer capper press and that worked great at pushing the bushing into the mouth of the measure. Here it is in the two component parts.
I was pretty proud of my little invention and submitted it to Buckskin Press and they printed a one page story about it with a couple of B & W photos. The real kicker of the idea was that it could also be used as a quick loader and for guns of the day, 120 grains would be plenty for even a hunting load.
Time passed and I started carrying Warren Muzzleloading products as well as Treso. They came up with a little push button valve that was just what I was looking for, a primer valve with the push button and also a small spout.
I updated the primer with a larger fixed powder measure at the same time that I started using the Warren valve. Now we were good for 150 grains.
So, fast forward a few more years and we were displaying our wares at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. I am thinking this must have been about 1991 at this time, and Mrs. Smoke and I were standing by our table when Don Minor and Andy Fautheree (Treso Products/House of Muskets) came walking up. I was chatting with Don and Andy was looking at what we had on the table. All of a sudden, Andy said, "Don, look at what these people are doing with our products!!!" So, this big conversation starts about how much better they could make it than the cobbled together creation I was showing. What they came up with is indeed a better product, but of course they should have, after all I don't have a shop full of Swiss Screw Machines at my disposal, nor would I know how to use them. Their product description is as follows: This free-flow pan primer dispenses a continues flow of 4fg powder when the side button is depressed. The primer holds approximately 135 grains of powder. The head is removable for easy filling.
So, that's the story of my big invention. I still believe it is the best pan primer on the market and every bag I own is fitted with one, even my percussion guns. It is just right for dribbling a little Ffffg powder under the nipple if the rifle is dry balled or loaded with oily passages. It's been of service to many a shooters.
John (Bigsmoke)
Topic: Evolution of an item (Read 935 times)