Hi Rand

I am sorry i don't have enough references or the knowledge to confirm that.
In contextual terms i beleive this lock was assembled around 1830, but i have no evidence.

However there is a determined particular in it, that might be an indicator for collectors with more expertize, which is a little notch in the hammer head, certainly for serving some purpose.

I also have this type of detail in the hammers of a double barrel pistol i could never identify which, considering its crude characteristics, was certainly a hand made private work, therefore gaining the ethnographic status.

If you are able to confirm the period of this lock pattern, as being previous to 1830, i will be happy to also get a first impression on the age of the pistol, which i ignore so far.

By the way ...
Although the above examples don't have to be the case, i am aware that, in the beginning of percussion, at least in the first Portuguese modifications, some models had the priming cap inserted in the hammer head , instead of coupled on the nipples
Best regards
Fernando

Reference for back action lock
 

Hey Fernando,

Found a reference for the back action percussion lock and its stated that the earliest forms of this style date from 1835-1840.

http://www.muzzleloaders-etcetera.co...w_of_locks.htm

You need to scroll down to the percussion locks.....

rand

Hi Rand

I knew this page.
I don't think it helps a lot, or is necessarily accurate, though.
Thanks for bringing it up, anyhow.
Fernando