A blunderbuss with an early lock

Pukka Bundook · 2nd April 2016, 03:20 PM

Good morning Fernando,

This is a very interesting looking piece.
I know next to nothing of Portuguese arms, but can say that by the style of the stock, and the tang screw entering the tang from below, plus the dog -lock, that I would say this piece is from the1690's at any rate.
Earlier locks often were attached with three sidenails rather than the two we see here, but the lock is very archaic looking and I don't think newer than I suggest.
The buttstock shape also says from the 1690's rather than early 18th century.

I recall something about muskets being reduced in length in this manner, but not well enough to say anything further!
Again, an interesting arm!

Richard.

2nd April 2016, 03:20 PM	#2
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Good morning Fernando, This is a very interesting looking piece. I know next to nothing of Portuguese arms, but can say that by the style of the stock, and the tang screw entering the tang from below, plus the dog -lock, that I would say this piece is from the1690's at any rate. Earlier locks often were attached with three sidenails rather than the two we see here, but the lock is very archaic looking and I don't think newer than I suggest. The buttstock shape also says from the 1690's rather than early 18th century. I recall something about muskets being reduced in length in this manner, but not well enough to say anything further! Again, an interesting arm! Richard.