semantics/terminology queston... Early Flintlock

[gof]

Here’s a question for anyone who cares to answer

I often see flintlocks for sale that in their heading/title will say "early flintlock fowler" or Early Flintlock... or some such thing with "early" in the title.

Inevitably, when I click on the link or details it will have some date like 1750s or 1770s or some such date like that.

Now, I am a living history type that is interested in the 1680-1720 period. And since the flintlock as we know it came about in the 2nd half of the 17th century, I kind of feel mystified that a 1760 flintlock would be considered “early”.

So, if 1740 (or 1760 etc) is early, what do we refer to the 1680 flintlocks?????

Ancient?


Thanks... in advance

Greg aka GoF

 

Early early flintlock?
Real early? I dunno!! :hmm:

 

[paulvallandigham]

Just based on the little reading I have done on the subject, it appears that the term, " Early Flintlock" is often used to describe any flintlock made before our Revolutionary War. " Golden Age " seems to be used to describe guns built in the 1780-1820 period, and " Late Period " flintlock is applied variously to any gun that was not made with brass or silver furniture from 1780 to the Civil War, and sometimes even later than that! And, after the percussion period began, when so many flintlock guns were converted, you can even find percussion rifles in the " Late Period " with shiny brass and silver furniture, too!

Military Conflict has always driven the invention and refinement of firearms, so that Major Wars in any period are often used as benchmarks by writers and scholars alike.

I would not get hung up on any of this language as having any technical meaning or definition. I think your 1680 Flintlock is also an Early Style flint gun, Only, it probably would be one that was built in Europe, or contains much of its parts from suppliers in Europe, and would not likely be made totally in N. America.

Historians who are trying to identify early guns are usually talking about guns made in this country by early gunmakers and smiths. Again, from what I have read, its very hard to document many gunmakers living and working in the colonies back to 1700 and earlier. That does not mean there were not gunsmiths, and even gunmakers, but for the most part, the guns they made used parts that were made in England, France, Germany, Holland, or Spain, and imported into the colonies. We did not have the mines, nor the foundaries here until the middle of the 18th century, and barely had the capability to make our own powder when the Revolution began. Flints were also largely imported into the colonies, from England and France, and when the war began, the supply from England ended.

I hope that helps you understand the use of terminology. You might read up on some of the books by George Shumway, as he has done an excellent job of locating and documenting the early style of guns. He's not the end-all of experts, but his books are very good history, filled with pictures of the guns, and detailed descriptions of them.

 

[tg]

I think most of the "early" references are made towards guns made in the colonies, and as far as records or surviving examples are concerned mid 18th century is early for these guns.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

In the past few years I have seen the term loosely used so as to to peddle guns to those interested in recreating the pre-rev. and F&I time frames that were NOT PC to their time period. (examples would be Siler locks and straight green mountian barrels but with a wide "early" butt plate, etc.)

 

[tg]

Unfortunately there is a lot of missrepresentation and improper use of terminology by some makers and vendors to sell their wares, this certainly can tend to steer newcomers to the study of history in the wrong direction, and give many wishfull thinkers fuel for misguided interpretations, many like to be historicaly correct but do not wish to or have the time to dig into the resourses and get as much valid data as possible but rely on less than accurate info if it leans toward some pre existing ideas or preferences.

 

[squirejohn]

AMEN to that! Before we purchased a computer I had spent a few thousand dollars on guns etc. that I assumed was PC based on vendor claims. Thanks to the MLForum I soon found out taint so. I have never been involved in an activity/endeavor, including the proverbial used car salesman, where there is so much deception.

 

[tg]

I think the internet and forums like this have/will help create an informed buyer and put some pressure on vendors to not stretch things quite so far in promoting their product.

 

[WRussell]

On the other hand, it allows the scumbags to lift photos from dealers' sites, post them on auction sites and fleece the unwary. The world is full of 'em, unfortunately. We need better law enforcement. Cheat, steal, lie - you die. Oh - sorry - it's Christmas. Good will to all. Well, almost all...

 

[tg]

There will always be those who choose to abuse and misuse those things that can be manipulated for ill gotten gains, I have not heard much of this type of thing I hope it is not common, it may well be prudent to stay within a well known group when dealing on line...

 

[Toomuch_36]

On the other hand, it allows the scumbags to lift photos from dealers' sites, post them on auction sites and fleece the unwary. The world is full of 'em, unfortunately. We need better law enforcement. Cheat, steal, lie - you die. Oh - sorry - it's Christmas. Good will to all. Well, almost all...

Caviet-emptor!!!

Toomuch
..........
Shoot Flint