Late English Ordnance Pattern matchlock

[Flintandsmoke]

Would a matchlock like this have even seen use in the colonies?

 

[TobJohn]

Never say never, but towards the later part of the 17th century, both Virginia and Plymouth/New England heavily encouraged the use of fire locks over matchlocks, with Plymouth even banning matchlocks in their militia.

 

[Flintandsmoke]

Never say never, but towards the later part of the 17th century, both Virginia and Plymouth/New England heavily encouraged the use of fire locks over matchlocks, with Plymouth even banning matchlocks in their militia.

That’s what im wondering, im up in New England, so im questioning if any surplus ones MIGHT have made their way over or if the call
Of the day would have been the newer English locks

 

[Sam squanch]

If they came over the water, I’m sure they were converted to a flintlock.

 

[Flintandsmoke]

If they came over the water, I’m sure they were converted to a flintlock.

I actually was considering having one converted, but was told it would be cost prohibitive

 

[TobJohn]

Outside of the previously shared information, this is a bit after my area of knowledge, but I wonder if any proper English military units served in North America, pre 1700? My understanding of the conflicts against the French and the natives were that they were fought by the colonies, but if English military units served, that could be a good place to look. The nine years war would be the closest I can think of, but that would probably be after the English dropped the matchlock.

 

[BillinOregon]

Is this the one we are discussing?
http://www.therifleshoppe.com/catalog_pages/matchlocks/(571).htm
This one looks quite handy, if earlier.

 

[TobJohn]

I was assuming this type:

https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-28795
They match this TRS Kit:
http://www.therifleshoppe.com/catalog_pages/matchlocks/(571).htm

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

I was assuming this type:
View attachment 353972https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-28795
They match this TRS Kit:
http://www.therifleshoppe.com/catalog_pages/matchlocks/(571).htm

Yes, this is the one being discussed.

 

[rich pierce]

I don’t have the knowledge to weigh in on the subject of match lock use in militias, but in Grinslade’s book on flintlock fowlers he states that several of the earliest fowlers highlighted there used old barrels originally from match locks. This indicates that matchlocks were in use by somebody.

 

[TobJohn]

I don’t have the knowledge to weigh in on the subject of match lock use in militias, but in Grinslade’s book on flintlock fowlers he states that several of the earliest fowlers highlighted there used old barrels originally from match locks. This indicates that matchlocks were in use by somebody.

The earlier style (like Bill posted) were certainly used during the earlier part of colonization, so some were probably refurbished. I also assume guns from the home country were refurbished and sold to the colonies with new fire locks.

The Plymouth museum even claims an unusual Italian matchlock musket in their collection is from the first colonists.