HI Philip. Thanks for your comments. The good thing about this forum is that there is usually someone out there who knows more about things than you do. I agree. Could have been made in any small town North of Rome. Alla florentina has a nice ring to it. Your comments about the regional nature of Italian firearms production are I think perceptive. Probably explains why we see such a variety of lock styles, including Wheelock’s with no obvious chronological significance. Also one of the reasons these things are difficult to date.
Obviously type E according to Nolfo Di Carppegnas classification. All lock design is a compromise and early lock designers took the question of safety very seriously. The two part interlocked sear has a lot to recommend it as the thing wont lock off unless the primary sear is properly and fully engaged. The classic flintlock is the simplest, cheapest and one could argue worst solution.
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