If the early dates for the flintlock lineage are correct, it only took a generation from matchlocks becoming common, to the invention and proliferation of multiple types of firelock
Snaplock eventually a wheellock
- Thread starter tom in nc
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Wouldn't it be lovely to see that "oldest Swedish snaplock" from 1556 that Dale mentions. I don't seem to have adequate Google-fu this morning.
TobJohn interesting you mention "multiple types of firelock"! The descriptive word "Firelock" in many of the European and American museums and auctions that I have been fortunate to visit, have sometimes displayed firearm descriptions using the word "firelock" synonymous with every type of action from the 15th to the early 19th century. Books I have read also periodically use the word "firelock" to describe a weapon in use in that instant without giving the reader an inkling of the firing mechanism referred to. From the matchlock, wheelock, flintlock or any other action before or between periods when any of these actions could have been popular....many times the generic word "firelock" was the description used. WEBSTER:
firelock
noun
fire·lock ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌläkSynonyms of firelock
1
: a gun's lock employing a slow match to ignite the powder charge
also : a gun having such a lock
2
a
: FLINTLOCK
b
: WHEEL LOCK
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As you go down the rabbit hole a flintlock is the French firelock copied by other nations. . .
It can be a pain finding the right word. I’ve seen it most often used to describe the self igniting systems, which is what I had meant there. It gets even more confusing when some of these terms are mistranslated or anachronistic!
Never a disrespect intended!
No worries, I hadn’t assumed you had. Speaking of the correct meaning or intent of words, one of the struggles of internet communication, lol!
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The Swedish museum system has some from around that time online. When I’m back in Virginia tomorrow, I will see if I can find some. They mostly have the classic German sporting cheek stock.
Pukka Bundook
54 Cal.
I've always used firelock, to mean a self igniting lock.
Pure grace and function for its day...TobJohn must have a doctorate in research! It translates to:
Snap lock box, lay lock, spring lock, Sweden ca 1550, for two shots behind each other (espingol), double locks, spring shackle in the shape of cult pliers. From inv.1671 called shotgun.
Snap lock box, lay lock, spring lock, Sweden ca 1550, for two shots behind each other (espingol), double locks, spring shackle in the shape of cult pliers. From inv.1671 called shotgun.
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They have a couple others from the same period, but this had the best photos.
John, thanks. Is there another lock on the left side, or what am I seeing just peeking over the barrel?
Good eyes Bill! Looks like there’s a screw holding a lock onto the other side? Maybe a super-posed (stacked loads) loaded arm? But what triggers it?
Pukka Bundook
54 Cal.
If it's cocked it fires maybe Flint!
In other words, scear connected to both, but don't cock rear lock for the first go around.
Purely speculation on my part!
In other words, scear connected to both, but don't cock rear lock for the first go around.
Purely speculation on my part!
It looks like there is possibly a little additional trigger a bit in front of the trigger guard.
Here is their online collection with the Swedish term for “snaplock” already searched, incase anyone wants to peruse snaplocks:
Sök i samlingarna - Statens Historiska Museer - Sök i samlingarna
Here is their online collection with the Swedish term for “snaplock” already searched, incase anyone wants to peruse snaplocks:
Sök i samlingarna - Statens Historiska Museer - Sök i samlingarna
Pukka Bundook
54 Cal.
That could be exciting, carrying it over your arm, Tob!
May be best if the dog was trained to walk at heel! LOL1
May be best if the dog was trained to walk at heel! LOL1
Lol yea… this may be one of those things where it’s the man servant’s problem, not the owners…
Pukka Bundook
54 Cal.
Bigger problem for the servant if he has to walk in front, Tob!
I zoomed in twice....I bet it is a double barrel early flinter.....look at the front sight....it looks as if it is set between 2 barrels. That way from the translation, "two shots behind each other" could only mean a double barrel with a twin lock on the opposite side. That supports what Flint62Smoothie suggested with the screw, a superposed loaded arm. The shallow dovetailed rear sight may extend to the second barrel? I could only imagine the weight of this firearm.
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