Flintlock Muskets
Flintlocks,
originally called "French
Locks" because that was the area where they first appeared, were
the final development in firearms during this period. They are
'state of the art' and remained in use for almost a hundred and fifty
years. The flintlock (and the English lock) were cheaper to make and
less complex than the snaphance. The flintlock has an internal 'half
cocked' position that facilitates loading and allows the weapon
to be carried all but ready to fire. It also combines the pan cover
and the Steel striking surface into one piece.
A Flintlock
Flintlock
Muskets
French Military Musket, 'French Lock' circa 1717
French Musket, civilian trade musket
English Military Musket, 'Brown Bess'
English Trade Musket