Doglocks, Miquelet and Snaphance

Though there are technological differences these weapon types all perform in essentially the same way

The Snaphance (or Snaphaunce) first appeared in the late 1550s as a development of the earlier snaplock. The main improvement was that the pan-cover opened automatically (to keep the priming dry until the exact moment of firing), as in the wheel-lock. It lacks a half cock or safety. The Miquelet is a type of Snaphance is often termed the Mediterranean lock due to its diffusion to areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in the Ottoman sphere of influence. Regular Spanish troops generally employ the Spanish Miquelet.

Close up of a Miquelet

Spanish Miquelet Lock

 

Miqelet Musket

Arab made Miquelet Musket

 

 

 

Close up of a Snaphaunce lock

Snaphaunce lock

 

Snaphaunce Pistols

Spanish made Snaphaunce Pistols

 

Dog Lock

The English Lock or Doglock is found on almost all English and Dutch manufactured guns until about 1715 and is the standard for British Army muskets until the Brown Bess was issued. (As the Brown Bess has come into service all Doglock muskets have been turned over to the Navy.) The English and the Dutch used this style of flintlock firearm the most, which uses an external catch or DOG as a half cock safety. The Doglock is one of the most common types of firearm in the American Colonies and Caribbean.

 

Close up of a Doglock

English or Doglock

 

 

An early Dog Lock Musket

An early Dog Lock Musket

An early Dog Lock musket with fishtail butt for use as club in battle.

 

English Military Doglock musket

English Military Doglock musket

 

A Dog Lock Blunderbuss

Dog Lock Blunderbuss

 

English Dog lock Horse Pistol

English Dog lock Horse Pistol