Bridle on the frizzen

[FearNot]

So, what does that mean? I see mention in the description of some of the earlier military muskets that the frizzen doesn't have a bridle. Is that important to us modern day shooters? Also, I remember seeing, somewhere, on the internet a site with exploded pictures of flint and percussion locks, which gave a detailed listing of the parts. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Does anyone have the url for that site?

Thanks in advance,
FearNot

 

[Stumpkiller]

The arrow "G" points to the frizzen/pan bridle on the lock below. Some locks just use a wide shouldered screw/bolt with no bridle.

Flint Lock Terminology

B. E. Spencer

Flint Lock, External View

A- Lockplate
B- Feather of frizzen spring
C- Frizzen spring screw
D- Mainspring retainer stud
E- Frizzen spring
F- Tail of frizzen
G- Frizzen pivot screw
H- Frizzen (hammer, steel)
I- Face of frizzen
J- Pan
K- Flashguard
L- Cock (hammer)
M- Lower (fixed) vise jaw
N- Upper (moveable) vise jaw
O- Vise screw (cock screw)
P- Sear spring screw tip
Q- Tail of lockplate
R- Sear pivot screw tip
S- Tumbler screw

Flint Lock, Internal View

A- Upper limb of mainspring
B- Lower limb of mainspring
C- Mainspring retainer hook
D- Tumbler hook of mainspring
E- Cup of tumbler
F- Tail of frizzen
G- Tumbler axle/pivot
H- Frizzen (hammer, steel)
I- Face of frizzen
J- Pan
K- Flashguard
L- Cock (hammer)
M- Lower (fixed) vise jaw
N- Upper (moveable) vise jaw
O- Vise screw (cock screw)
P- Bridle
Q- Sear pivot screw
R- Body of the sear
S- Arm of the sear
T- Sear spring
U- Sear spring screw
V- Bridle screw
W- Stop, upper vise jaw
X- Cock spur (hammer spur)
Y- Frizzen pivot screw
Z- Bolster
AA- Fly
BB- Frizzen spring retainer stud



Copyright © 1997 B. E. Spencer


Link to Flintlock Terminology

 

[robinghewitt]

And here's one without :grin:

 

[Stumpkiller]

Cherry Girl is unbridled, also.

 

[loophole]

In theory, the Frizzen bridle makes a stronger and more reliable lock, because the frizzen screw is supported, rather than having all the stress on the screw. In my experience, there is no difference in longevity or reliability assuming two well made locks.
The lack of or presence of the pan bridal does date the lock, so this is important if you are building a gun for a particular time period. Generally speaking, I think the pan bridle showed up sometime in the decade before the Revolution, but it will take someone more knowledgeble than I to be more specific.