can anyone tell me about this lock?

[moharrow]

can anyone tell me about this lock?

I found this in an antique shop in st St Augustine Florida
bought it for $45.00



there are no stamps or markings on it

 

[BADUNAME37]

I see your measuring tape is Made in China.

Does that count?

 

[AZ_Rebel]

Looks like a Miquelet Lock.
From Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miquelet
Miquelet (miguelet) is a modern collector/auctioneer convention, largely used by and for the benefit of the English speaking world, widely applied to a distinctive form of gunlock mechanism (lock), originally as a flint-against-steel ignition form, prevalent in the Mediterranean lands and Spanish America, in the late 16th to early 19th centuries.

The origin of the term as it applies to this lock mechanism is a matter of opinion, one commonly held opinion being that the term was originated by British troops in the Peninsular War ascribing the term to the particular style of musket or fusil used by the Miquelet (militia) assigned to the Peninsular Army of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. (Held 1970:75)

 

[moharrow]

thanks for that info, I am considering building a spanish styled blunderbuss using this lock. it still works very well

 

[buttrap]

I Imagine it would work as its probably younger than I am.

 

[moharrow]

any idea how old the lock is?

 

[junkman_01]

From St. Augustine, huh? Probably made last month!

 

[moharrow]

well as I only paid $45.00 and it puts out a nice shower of sparks. it would still be a great deal. just curious as to any history on this type of lock

 

[DrLaw]

The miquelet lock was still popular in north Africa into the 20th century and is seen on Arabic rifles a lot. Most are hand-made and yours looks like it is, too.
If is it genuine, you probably paid what it was worth.

http://www.antiques-arms.com/catalo...scription=1&sort=2a&list=manufacturer&page=25

The Doc is out now.

 

[arcticap]

Thanks for the link DrLaw.
A couple of decorated Ottoman Miquelets can be found in their search results:

http://www.antiques-arms.com/catalo...ish-ottoman-flintlock-gun-miquelet-p-474.html

http://www.antiques-arms.com/catalog/sold-turkish-gun-ottoman-miquelet-p-468.html

http://www.antiques-arms.com/catalo...rds=miquelet&search_in_description=1&x=17&y=9