[Philip]

Having proposed a functional basis for the downward-tilting tails common on Portuguese patilhas in requirements dictated by gunstock fashions of the time, it might also be interesting to explore a stylistic precedent for this very specific shape in an earlier type of Portuguese flintlock mechanism, the fecho de molinhas (spring lock), which had its origins in Portugal in the 17th cent. Despite the appearance of its cock jaw and the combined pan-cover and frizzen, it is distinct from the entire family of miquelets by virtue of its internal mainspring with sears operating on a tumbler mounted on the cock pivot, inside the lockplate. It is more properly classed as a forerunner of the mature form of flintlock. What makes the molinhas lock mechanically distinct if not unique is its complex sear system utilizing a sliding rod called an agulha,(needle) visible in the interior view in one of the images below.

Now, moving aside all mechanical comparisons between this lock and the patilla, let's look at the rear portion of the lockplate. It has a marked downward angle with a rounded end; furthermore there is a "break" in the lower contour of the plate in the form of protruding swelling, or bulge, just to the rear of the cock pivot. On this type of lock, it seems necessitated by the position of an internal screw for mounting one of the sear components. The length and angle of this tail may be due to the design of the sear mechanism, which is larger than that required on a patilla lock, and the operating requirements of the agulha may be a factor as well. (at the same auction that Rick purchased the patilla discussed here, there was offered a molinhas lock which would have made a great study piece but we both declined since its heavily corroded condition made some internal parts barely recognizable, not to mention incapable of being restored to working order).

So we see a tilted tail, even a little bulge delineating it on the lower lock contour, on Rick's Spanish-made patilla. The retention of the bulge may be a functional necessity here because of the need to mount the cock bridle in the same area. But as discussed in a previous post, the design of the sears is not a likely determinant for the angularity. The shape of the buttstock, plus a conservative attachment to an earlier aesthetic might be more significant.