Snaphaunce Lock for I.D.

Matchlock · 30th July 2011, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matchlock

The turned jaw screw and especially the twofold breakthru ornament on the pan cover still reflect the early 16th c. Renaissance artistic taste, so I would suggest a date of origin of early 17th c., ca. 1610-30#
Best,
Michael

Rick: as you will remember from my first reply, I too have always felt that the cock jaw screw backed up the theory of a British/European origin as well.

Best,
m

rickystl · 30th July 2011, 10:28 PM

Well, I got the top screw off. It's not a top screw at all. No idication that it ever had threads on it. But, I'm 90% sure I know what it is. It's an iron tip from a ramrod from a Moroccan gun!!

What look like two sets of threads are not threads. The are straight cut to assist the shooter's grip while pulling the ramrod from the rifle. I've seen this design on iron ramrods on other Moroccan rifles. There are traces of threads in the lower jaw. I can see where the one end was cut and ground/filed and tapered. It was simply hammered into the lower jaw and the tiny tit on top of the hammer was bent slightly sideways to hold it all together. I bent the little tip straight again. Then a couple light taps with a hammer and it came apart. Amazingly, the patina of the "supposed" top screw matches the rest of the lock. So, what we have here is a lock in very good condition, thats missing it's top screw.

Usually when a lock is missing a top screw, it's also missing the top jaw. My best guess is that someone used the original top screw on another gun. Well, unless others disagree, I think I've solved the top screw mystery (?). I must admit it was fun. Fortunately, I have a spare Moroccan "parts" lock that still has it's original top screw. I think I can clean up the threads in the lower jaw to accept it. Rick.

Matchlock · 31st July 2011, 01:37 PM

Oh, Rick, what a discouraging outcome ...

m

rickystl · 31st July 2011, 05:36 PM

Hi Michael. Well, after picking myself up off the kitchen floor from a fit of kicking and crying, I'm OK now

However, I've located two original Moroccan "parts" locks, both styled after the English lock, and both have their original top screws!! I can get them both very cheap. I'm sure the patina wont be an exact match, but proper cleaning could make it close. I'll save this lock yet!!!

Actually, this has been a fun thread. Research, investigation, mystery, and contact with Brian Godwin. I'll report back after I fix the lock. Thanks again for all the assistance - and hand-holding!! LOL Rick.

Matchlock · 12th May 2012, 04:39 PM

Please see

http://www.ask.com/wiki/Snaphance

Best,
m

Matchlock · 12th May 2012, 06:16 PM

Please see also

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ight=snaphance

Cerjak · 12th May 2012, 08:44 PM

Hi rick

Yes it is morrocan lock from Moukala, see some pics from my collection

Regards
Cerjak

30th July 2011, 10:28 PM	#2
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	Well, I got the top screw off. It's not a top screw at all. No idication that it ever had threads on it. But, I'm 90% sure I know what it is. It's an iron tip from a ramrod from a Moroccan gun!! What look like two sets of threads are not threads. The are straight cut to assist the shooter's grip while pulling the ramrod from the rifle. I've seen this design on iron ramrods on other Moroccan rifles. There are traces of threads in the lower jaw. I can see where the one end was cut and ground/filed and tapered. It was simply hammered into the lower jaw and the tiny tit on top of the hammer was bent slightly sideways to hold it all together. I bent the little tip straight again. Then a couple light taps with a hammer and it came apart. Amazingly, the patina of the "supposed" top screw matches the rest of the lock. So, what we have here is a lock in very good condition, thats missing it's top screw. Usually when a lock is missing a top screw, it's also missing the top jaw. My best guess is that someone used the original top screw on another gun. Well, unless others disagree, I think I've solved the top screw mystery (?). I must admit it was fun. Fortunately, I have a spare Moroccan "parts" lock that still has it's original top screw. I think I can clean up the threads in the lower jaw to accept it. Rick. Attached Images

12th May 2012, 04:39 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	More on Snapha(u)nces Please see http://www.ask.com/wiki/Snaphance Best, m Attached Images

12th May 2012, 08:44 PM	#7
Cerjak Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: FRANCE Posts: 1,065	morrocan snaphaunce Lock Hi rick Yes it is morrocan lock from Moukala, see some pics from my collection Regards Cerjak Attached Images

31st July 2011, 01:37 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Oh, Rick, what a discouraging outcome ... m

31st July 2011, 05:36 PM	#4
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	Hi Michael. Well, after picking myself up off the kitchen floor from a fit of kicking and crying, I'm OK now However, I've located two original Moroccan "parts" locks, both styled after the English lock, and both have their original top screws!! I can get them both very cheap. I'm sure the patina wont be an exact match, but proper cleaning could make it close. I'll save this lock yet!!! Actually, this has been a fun thread. Research, investigation, mystery, and contact with Brian Godwin. I'll report back after I fix the lock. Thanks again for all the assistance - and hand-holding!! LOL Rick.

12th May 2012, 06:16 PM	#6
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Please see also http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ight=snaphance