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- May 24, 2005
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Hello ALL. Thought you all might like to see two new locks to add to my lock collection. These locks are quite rare, in this condition, even in Portugal. What makes the Portuguese locks unique is that at first glance, they seem to resemble the Spanish miquelet locks of the period. That's because more often than not, the styling of the lock plates, hammer, and frizzen/pan assemblies are styled after the Spanish miquelets. However, the mainspring is mounted inside the lock plate, and makes use of the vertical sear assembly found on the more traditional French style flintlocks. Sort of a hybrid of both lock styles. The frizzen spring, that looks like a squiggle is common on most Portuguese locks.
LARGE LOCK: This is one of the more traditional styles of Portuguese locks. The Spanish influence of the lock plate, hammer and frizzen assembly. The tumbler has only a full-cock notch. On the outside of the lock plate, in front of the hammer arm, is a dog-style safety catch, traditional to many of these locks. The size approximates a Chambers Colonial lock and would be good for a Fowler or Trade Gun.
SMALLER LOCK: This lock would roughly equal the size of a Siler rifle lock. Would be appropriate for a rifle/slim fowler/large horse pistol. Here, this lock features an early style hammer/frizzen design. But includes a second safety notch on the tumbler, thus negating the need for an external safety catch. Also, the lock plate shows a more traditional French approach.
Both locks are very high quality. They likely date to the Napoleonic period, but could be later as there was still a market for these into the early percussion period. Portuguese locks occasionally show up at European auctions. But usually in poor condition, pats missing, etc. So I feel fortunate being able to acquire these. Anyway, hope you enjoy the pics, and thanks for looking.
Rick
LARGE LOCK: This is one of the more traditional styles of Portuguese locks. The Spanish influence of the lock plate, hammer and frizzen assembly. The tumbler has only a full-cock notch. On the outside of the lock plate, in front of the hammer arm, is a dog-style safety catch, traditional to many of these locks. The size approximates a Chambers Colonial lock and would be good for a Fowler or Trade Gun.
SMALLER LOCK: This lock would roughly equal the size of a Siler rifle lock. Would be appropriate for a rifle/slim fowler/large horse pistol. Here, this lock features an early style hammer/frizzen design. But includes a second safety notch on the tumbler, thus negating the need for an external safety catch. Also, the lock plate shows a more traditional French approach.
Both locks are very high quality. They likely date to the Napoleonic period, but could be later as there was still a market for these into the early percussion period. Portuguese locks occasionally show up at European auctions. But usually in poor condition, pats missing, etc. So I feel fortunate being able to acquire these. Anyway, hope you enjoy the pics, and thanks for looking.
Rick
