'Roman' miquelet lock for long gun, Spanish or Neapolitan (c 1700)

Title	'Roman' miquelet lock for long gun
Nationality	Spanish or Neapolitan
Period	c 1700
Price	£0.00

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This would have been fitted to a fowling piece, carbine or blunderbuss of the first quarter of the 18th century. It measures 14.5cm long and is profusely engraved throughout. Diana, the goddess of the hunt, appears on the tail of the lock with a miniature portrait of a man on the base of the cock housing.

This style of lock, originating in Rome, was copied by Madrid and Neapolitan gunsmiths. This would appear to be an unsigned piece, although very similar locks can be found on work by Juan Fernandez of Madrid, c 1715. As a lock this is rather more rarely found in Spain than the traditional miquelet lock of somewhat squatter proportions.

The spigot of the sear has been a little distorted, with a little damage to the claw on the internal face of the lock, but otherwise its condition is excellent, with an even dark grey patina throughout. I've now fitted it with an appropriate flint!

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Firearms : Miquelet guns : Spanish : 18th Century]

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