Hunting rifle from Finland

[Raf]

Originally Posted by Pukka Bundook

Philip,

Although this lock has the same horizontal sear as the locks you mention, I have never (in my sheltered life!) seen one so simply constructed!
Even on the earliest locks, like snapping tinderlocks, the sear has always been mounted using a pivot pin.
This one is really New to me.

Just for the record here is another percussion lock with the same archaic sear mechanism.

[Pukka Bundook]

Raf,

Thank you for these photos!
a few days ago I'd never seen one, now I've seen two with this simple sear !


Can you tell me where this lock is from?

Best,
Richard.

[Raf]

Sorry no idea. Just stumbled across it on the Net while researching snaplocks. Something about the shape of the cock makes me think Malasia

[Pukka Bundook]

Thank you for the reply, Raf.
Yes, possibly Malasia.

It also reminds me of the snaplock serpent, seen on some of Tipu Sultan's guns.

[Philip]

Originally Posted by Raf

Something about the shape of the cock makes me think Malasia

Yes, the profile of the serpentine is reminiscent but the lockplate outline is not. The lockplate on the example you posted has a profile somewhat like a European flintlock of the 17th cent. onward. The materials are also different, here it is iron whereas virtually all Malay Archipelago snapping matchlocks are entirely of brass (like their Japanese and Korean counterparts) down to the mainspring, and not to mention having more decoration.