mystery miquelet
 

Greetings All,

This lock looks for all the world to be Italian, “alla marchigiana” (“in the Marchesan style” ). Marchesan locks have been often described as “surrealistic”. Hmm, wonder why. What makes this lock really unusual is that it is not in the usual romanlock form, mainspring wise.

I could not tell from the images if there were any names, date, or a poinçon/punzón anywhere on the lock. The owner states there is nary a punched or engraved name, initials, or numbers anywhere on it. I can tell you that a disassemble is out of the question. So, we are left with these images as our guide. The lock was picked-up in Europe during the early '50s by a gentleman not into guns, so we must assume he thought it an amusing curio.

Anyone want to hazard a guess?[IMG]http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...psef658f01.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...ps719a6187.jpg[/IMG]

With some enhancement I see decorative designs, but nothing that appears to be writing.

http://i60.tinypic.com/2zoyhoy.jpg

Hello, Miqueleter

For me, it's a classic miquelete, the "pin", which distinguishes it from the lock to the Roman ", to more trigger system that acts mainspring and bottom-up.

The bridge is false, as in the lock "the Roman" and classic miquelete, although the frizzen spring is placed under the bridge, but with its apex forward.

Of course it is italana, by decorating masks and screw the jaws.

Affectionately. Fernando K

(Sorry for the translator)

Fernando K, we certainly agree it is a classic patilla, only on a decidedly sculptured Italian frame. Never seen such a setup, but then, that is the world of the miquelet lock. :D