- jcastaway-percussion-cap-alcan-g-11-f.png (656.81 KiB) Viewed 15809 times
Alcan, originally known as the Aluminum Company of Canada, was a significant player in the manufacturing sector, notably in the aluminum industry. However, in the context of ammunition, Alcan became well-known for producing various ammunition components, including percussion caps, under the Alcan brand.
The company's involvement in ammunition manufacturing particularly in the mid-20th century, focused on providing high-quality and reliable components for firearms enthusiasts and hunters. Alcan's products were appreciated for their consistency and performance, making them a popular choice among users of black powder firearms. Over time, as Alcan evolved, it divested or reoriented its business away from ammunition, focusing more on its core aluminum production and related industries, leaving its mark in the firearms community through its historical products like the G 11 F percussion caps.
- jcastaway-alcan-canada.png (186.5 KiB) Viewed 15795 times
The Alcan G 11 F percussion caps were predominantly used in the period from the mid to late 20th century, particularly for muzzleloading firearms. These caps were designed for use in cap lock firearms, which were popular among hunters, sport shooters, and historical reenactors. The most common guns that utilized these caps included various models of muzzleloaders like the traditional Hawken rifles, European-made cap lock muskets, and replicas of historical firearms from the Civil War era and beyond. These firearms, which included both single-shot and multi-barrel designs, required a cap to ignite the powder charge, and the G 11 F caps were favored for their reliability and waterproofing, which was crucial for maintaining performance in various weather conditions. This made them a staple for enthusiasts of black powder shooting, though today, they are more often seen as collectibles due to the age of production.
- jcastaway-percussion-caps.png (288.6 KiB) Viewed 15753 times
Dimensions: The G 11 F caps pictured measure to an outer diameter (o.d.) of 4.40mm and a height of 3.75mm. These are consistent with what is generally reported about these percussion caps.
- Outer Diameter (o.d.): The outer diameter of 4.40mm matches closely with what collectors and users describe. Most sources mention the G 11 F caps have an outer diameter around 4.4 to 4.5mm.
- Height: The height of 3.75mm is also within the expected range. While exact measurements might slightly vary due to manufacturing tolerances or wear over time, the height generally falls between 3.5 to 4mm for these caps.
- jcastaway-giulio fiocchi-lecco-G 11 F-percussion-caps.png (515.43 KiB) Viewed 15744 times
Manufacturing Partnership: Fiocchi-Lecco, part of the Italian ammunition manufacturer Fiocchi Munizioni, has been known for producing a wide variety of ammunition since its founding in 1876. Alcan, on the other hand, was involved in manufacturing various ammunition components, including percussion caps, in the mid to late 20th century. There is evidence that Fiocchi produced percussion caps and primers for Alcan, especially for the North American market.
Product Branding and Distribution: Fiocchi's percussion caps, including those branded as Alcan, were often packaged in distinctive tins with both Fiocchi-Lecco and Alcan branding. For example, the G 11 F and G 12 F percussion caps, which were made in France and Italy, respectively, were sometimes marketed under the Alcan name, suggesting a co-branding or distribution agreement. This is evidenced by items like the Giulio Fiocchi-Lecco G 11F Percussion Caps Tin labeled as being made in Italy but also associated with Alcan. This indicates that Fiocchi might have manufactured these caps for Alcan, continuing the tradition of providing high-quality ammunition components under different brands or for different markets.
Packaging: These caps were typically packaged in tins. There are mentions of both sealed and opened tins, with some tins still containing a significant number of caps, suggesting they were sold in quantities suitable for bulk use or long-term storage.
Historical Note: Alcan Co. was known for other products as well, including various black powder and ammunition accessories. The G 11 F caps are part of a historical line of products that might now be considered more for collectors than for active use in firearms due to potential degradation of the priming compound over time.