A flint lock for comments

[corrado26]

Here are three locks a la Romana from the book of "Agostino Gaibi, Armi da Fuoco Italiane", All three are very similar to the lock in question. Whereas the upper lock has no signature, the locki in the middle and the next lock are signed "Gio. Verana in Brescia" and "Domenico Aureli". Giovanni Varena is reported at Brescia for 1690, Domenico Aureli has worked at Messina/Sicily around 1759. So the lock in question should have been made in Italy during this space of time too.
corrado26

.

[fernando]

Thank you all for your assertions.
It is obvious rather more pleasant for me the idea that this lock, despite being result of a plain unembbelished execution, doesn't necessarily mean that it is an Eastern reproduction. I take it that, for as much simplistic as its maker would be, he would not skip over the inner frizzen grooving without a reason; rather than having proceeded with a tricky method. He was not going to care about its replacement features and after don't give a dam about the grooves.
Besides, one often sees sophisticated examples of armoury being brought to attention but, in fact, munitions grade stuff is infinitely larger in number; only they don't 'deserve' to be emphasized.
In any case this lock didn't cost me the price i would have to pay for a high end example.
Still we must not forget that Fernando (my namesake) may have a further word to say about this.

[rickystl]

Hi Fernando

What an interesting, and curious roman style lock. And LARGE !! LOL
Funny, but my first thought viewing the outer "shape" of the lock plate was that it reminded me of of the early Mid-16th Century English doglocks. Just the shape of the lock plate only.
The length and thickness of the lock plate and the rustic assembly of it's sear parts are similar to the quality you see on Moroccan snaphaunce locks. The frizzen design with it's unusual insert is a mystery. Never seen one like it. But there is a curve to the insert, so it was made to be struck by a flint. But the insert is somewhat narrow in relation to the width of the frizzen face. Makes me wonder if the inset was added latter for use with a flint pawl (chunk of flint) versus a typical knapped, flat flint ? Of course I'm just speculating here. But viewing it's overall construction, it would not surprise me if this lock at some point was mounted to a Moroccan or Algeria long gun. But personally, I've never seen a roman style lock mounted to an oriental gun. But most of the locally made Moroccan and Algerian locks tend to be of large size like this one. Probably for the ease of construction as well as making spare parts.

Rick

p.s. If you ever decide it needs a new home, keep me in mind. LOL

[fernando]

Originally Posted by rickystl

...What an interesting, and curious roman style lock. And LARGE !! LOL ...

Early locks could be large, Rick; nothing strange here, i guess !

Originally Posted by rickystl

The frizzen design with it's unusual insert is a mystery. Never seen one like it. But there is a curve to the insert, so it was made to be struck by a flint. But the insert is somewhat narrow in relation to the width of the frizzen face...

I still think there was an original intention in this set up. Look at the insert;with its tapering shape it appears to be built with removable features, rather than inserted on a permanent basis.

Originally Posted by rickystl

... Makes me wonder if the inset was added latter for use with a flint pawl (chunk of flint) ...

So that when the frizzen (battery) face is worn out by multiple shots, you replace the 'sliding tab'. James D. Lavin mentions this principle in his SPANISH FIREARMS, only with a distinct configuration (pag.160). Three details to support such reasoning are: the striking face tab that portrudes from its base; the battery that is unusually thick, with a depth to allow for the insertion of the tab; and the configuration of the face front, with a motif on the top consistent with that of the battery front.

Originally Posted by rickystl

...p.s. If you ever decide it needs a new home, keep me in mind. LOL ...

Duly noted


.

[kai]

Hello Fernando,

one often sees sophisticated examples of armoury being brought to attention but, in fact, munitions grade stuff is infinitely larger in number; only they don't 'deserve' to be emphasized.

IMNSHO, munitions grade and village grade examples are definitely worthy of getting our full attention, too! Not only were these more numerous in their time, they also did most of the real work... And it would certainly be a shame to loose any survivors just because they don't get as much press as flashy VIP pieces!

Just my 2 cents...

Regards,
Kai

[fernando]

Originally Posted by kai

...IMNSHO, munitions grade and village grade examples are definitely worthy of getting our full attention, too! Not only were these more numerous in their time, they also did most of the real work... And it would certainly be a shame to loose any survivors just because they don't get as much press as flashy VIP pieces!

Just my 2 cents... ...

.

[fernando]

Let me upload some detail pictures in reaction to some technical questions posed by Fernando K. As both my Spanish (Castillian) and technical knowledge are rather limited, i thought best to answer him with the pictures language.

.

[Fernando K]

Hello


I had two images of the lock to the Roman, but the forum does not admit them because they are too heavy. Let me work a bit with photoshop, be patient

Affectionately

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Fernando K

Hello


I had two images of the lock to the Roman, but the forum does not admit them because they are too heavy. Let me work a bit with photoshop, be patient

Affectionately

... Or you send them to me by email and i will resize and upload them, Fernando.