Blunderbuss for coments

[fernando]

Hi Fernando K,
It is a fact that the blunderbuss (trabuco) is not classified in Barceló Rubi's work, which i also happen to have.
But according to the author you mention, Juan Luis Calvo, whom i have contacted, the trabuco was not a military weapon, but used by irregular troops, guerrillas, paramilitary parties, etc.
Calvo also says that, although some details of this lock appear to be Catalunian, namely the round frizzen spring (muelle de rastrillo) and the sharp point of the lock plate back (forma pontiaguda de la platina), the rest could be so Spanish as Italian or even Mexican, as the patilha lock has influenced Napolitan and Mexican smiths.
Eventually he made no mention about the frizzen (rastrillo) being of the French type, although that would be possible.

.

[M ELEY]

A beautiful, if plain, example in any case. If you ever decide to part with it, Nando, ole pal...

I'm sorry, I can't tell from the pic, is the swivel you mention small, as if for a sling strap, or larger, as if for a true mounting for a swivel. These types were also popular as 'wall guns' for forts, operating in much the same way as swivel guns on ships as you well know. I love the lock.

[fernando]

Aye Cap'n
My bad english. Sling strap, alright.
It was a hard translation, as in portuguese we use a non "transferable" auckward name: pino para o zarelho da bandoleira
I will register your interest in this example for future memory .

[M ELEY]

Thanks, bud-