Cannon flintlocks, English vs. Russian
 

Here are two cannon flintlocks, the top one English and bottom one Russian. English made by Sherwood, Russian by Tula Arsenal. These locks were obviously made to the same pattern, so I suspect Russia bought a license on what was an English design.

The ruler is marked in inches.

I would like to know the meaning of the longer Russian word tbat is marked on the Russian lock. I would also like to know the meaning of the stylized "T" which appears above the name "Sherwood" on the English lock. Thanks for helping.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...a/IMG_2733.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...a/IMG_2735.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...a/IMG_2736.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...a/IMG_2739.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...a/IMG_2740.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...a/IMG_2743.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...a/IMG_2744.jpg

Well, unless my Russian totally deserts me, the longer Russian word is a name - assuming it's not worn too badly, I'd say it read "G. Malikov". Either the guy who made the lock, or possibly the one who inspected it, seem likely candidates.

On the British lock, I'd conjecture it's a government inspection mark. I'd suggest slinging this onto the British Militaria Forums (http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.com/directory) as well as here; the more the merrier, as they say.

Thanks for the info. Will of course post anything else I find on these items. Sherwood seems to have made many locks of various kinds as I've seen that name on various designs of English cannon flintlocks.

Hi John,

I found some similar.

http://www.google.de/imgres?q=cannon...9,r:4,s:0,i:76

http://www.google.de/imgres?q=cannon...9,r:2,s:0,i:72

http://www.google.de/imgres?q=cannon...r:3,s:70,i:235

From top:

British, ca. 1790

French, Charlevillle, ca. 1790

British or American, late 18th c.

http://www.google.de/imgres?q=naval+...9&tx=134&ty=43

http://www.google.de/imgres?q=naval+...:10,s:46,i:195


Best,
Michael

Michael, thanks. The first link in post no. 4, I now believe to be a reproduction made in India recently. The third link, to a militaria dealer's site, shows a lock with extensive markings I've never seen on any other lock. Since it physically resembles the reproduction shown in the first link, down to the detail of the omitted flash-hole in the flashpan, it is at least "suspect." When I became aware the lock I had (shown in first link reply no. 4) was a repro I tried to find that posting and could not, thanks for doing it for me. Now to "fix" it!

That's interesting indeed, John, thank you!

m

One of the latest cannon flintlocks ever made, dated 1846, sold at Bonhams today.

m