Snaphaunce Lock for I.D.

[rickystl]

Hello all. Here is the latest addition to my lock collection. This Snaphaunce lock is in very good condition. All complete and in working condition. Does not appear to have been cleaned. No pitting what so ever. I'm confident this is a European lock. It has a couple of features not found on later Middle Eastern copies. And a better quality forging. The hammer and lail of the lock plate appear to be English (?). There are no marks of any kind. The top screw is a real mystery. Two sets of course threads. The bottom of the top screw has no threads and - for the momment - stuck in the bottom jaw of the hammer. Almost as if it were staked in?? Once I get the top screw released, maybe I'll have a better idea of how it holds the flint in the jaws. Anyway, my reference material for early European arms is very limited. Maybe one of you out there can better identify the origin of this lock. I do think it is both European and very early. Possibly dating to the very late 16th or very early 17th century. Your thoughts please. And thanks for looking. Rick.