When was the miquelet invented?

This type of gun first appeared in Spain at the end of the 16th Century. The term ‘miquelet’ comes from the Miquelet mercenaries and militia from the Catalonian region during the 17th and 18th Centuries that used this style of flintlock pistol.

What is a miquelet pistol?

This miquelet pistol came from Catalonia, in the northwestern area of Spain. Miquelets were Catalan militiamen during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Spanish were well-armed when they settled North America. This gun likely belonged to a former miquelet stationed at a south Texas frontier presidio.

How does a miquelet lock work?

With the classic Spanish patilla style miquelet lock, the mainspring pushes up on the heel of the hammer and both sears engaged the toe of the foot. With the Italian or Roman style miquelet lock, the mainspring pushes down on the toe of the hammer and the sears engaged the hammer on both the toe and heel.

Who invented the snaplock?

That need was fulfilled with the invention of the snaplock system in the late 1540s in Southern Germany. This system consists of an S-shaped “cock” as seen on the left with a clamp on top with two jaws. The name “cock” is because it historically strongly resembled the head of a rooster.

When was the Snaphance invented?

1550s
The snaphance first appeared in the late 1550s as an improvement of the earlier snaplock in one or more of the following countries: Spain, Holland, Germany, Scotland, or Sweden.

When was the musket used?

The first recorded usage of the term “musket” or moschetto appeared in Europe in the year 1499. Evidence of the musket as a type of firearm does not appear until 1521 when it was used to describe a heavy arquebus capable of penetrating heavy armor.

What is the difference between a snaplock and a flintlock?

The most general use of snaplock is for any lock which strikes flint against steel but which does not have the defining feature of a true flintlock. A more restrictive definition excludes the snaphaunce, more sophisticated weapons with a lateral sear and a pan cover, separate from the steel, that opens automatically.

What is a Frizzen on a gun?

The frizzen, historically called the “hammer” or the steel, is an “L”-shaped piece of steel hinged at the front used in flintlock firearms. The frizzen is held in one of two positions, opened or closed, by a leaf spring.

What is a Snaphance used for?

The snaphance was used from the mid 16th century, most commonly in pistol form as a weapon for officers and cavalry. It was used alongside the inferior wheellock in the 16th and 17th centuries, with different countries favoring different mechanisms.