Algerian Musket - Restored

rickystl · 10th May 2015, 09:24 PM

Here is lock #5. At one time this had to be a beautiful lock. It is a bit larger than others that I've seen. It's complete,with the exception of the crude copper replacement wing. The lock plate has brass overlay on BOTH sides of the plate. It has some brass, but mostly silver inlay/overlay throughout. Even the bottom of the mainspring has genuine silver inlay, most of which is still present. The dog safety catch at the rear has what's left of a "pink" stone, so famous with Algerian guns.
There are three marks on the bottom of the lock. Two engraved in brass plates, the other in a silver plate. Only lock I've ever seen marked this way. Maybe someone can translate? Thanks for looking. Rick.

rickystl · 10th May 2015, 09:26 PM

And the rest for lock #5. Very cool markings!!!

corrado26 · 11th May 2015, 09:58 AM

Hi Rick, thanks a lot for posting these interesting fotos, especially the underside of the mainspring with its silver inlay and the brass cover at the inside is most remarkable. This shows the pleasure of the gunsmith while making this lock and demonstrating his skillfullness. Very impressive. I like these locks very much, much more than the long guns they are belonging to
corrado26

rickystl · 16th May 2015, 05:43 PM

Hi Corado.
Yes, notice the silver is genuine inlay, not just painted on. Only one I've ever seen with the mainspring like this. And the marks/signatures (3) on the bottom are especially interesting being done with inlays. Hope someone can translate them? Just wish this lock was in the condition of yours. LOL.
Thanks again for your comments. And, again, your lock is the only one I've seen with the fancy chisel and file work on the mainspring.
Rick.

Norman McCormick · 16th May 2015, 09:33 PM

Hi Rick,
This seems appropriate, entitled The Arab Gunsmith by Edwin Lord Weeks, American artist too!

Regards,
Norman.

rickystl · 18th May 2015, 12:19 AM

Hi Norman.
Yes, I have this in my vidio library. Wish I had a Print of this for framing.
Thanks, Rick.

10th May 2015, 09:24 PM	#1
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	Here is lock #5. At one time this had to be a beautiful lock. It is a bit larger than others that I've seen. It's complete,with the exception of the crude copper replacement wing. The lock plate has brass overlay on BOTH sides of the plate. It has some brass, but mostly silver inlay/overlay throughout. Even the bottom of the mainspring has genuine silver inlay, most of which is still present. The dog safety catch at the rear has what's left of a "pink" stone, so famous with Algerian guns. There are three marks on the bottom of the lock. Two engraved in brass plates, the other in a silver plate. Only lock I've ever seen marked this way. Maybe someone can translate? Thanks for looking. Rick. Attached Images

10th May 2015, 09:26 PM	#2
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	And the rest for lock #5. Very cool markings!!! Attached Images

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11th May 2015, 09:58 AM	#3
corrado26 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Black Forest, Germany Posts: 1,226	Hi Rick, thanks a lot for posting these interesting fotos, especially the underside of the mainspring with its silver inlay and the brass cover at the inside is most remarkable. This shows the pleasure of the gunsmith while making this lock and demonstrating his skillfullness. Very impressive. I like these locks very much, much more than the long guns they are belonging to corrado26

16th May 2015, 05:43 PM	#4
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	Hi Corado. Yes, notice the silver is genuine inlay, not just painted on. Only one I've ever seen with the mainspring like this. And the marks/signatures (3) on the bottom are especially interesting being done with inlays. Hope someone can translate them? Just wish this lock was in the condition of yours. LOL. Thanks again for your comments. And, again, your lock is the only one I've seen with the fancy chisel and file work on the mainspring. Rick.

16th May 2015, 09:33 PM	#5
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,613	Hi Rick, This seems appropriate, entitled The Arab Gunsmith by Edwin Lord Weeks, American artist too! Regards, Norman. Attached Images

18th May 2015, 12:19 AM	#6
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	Hi Norman. Yes, I have this in my vidio library. Wish I had a Print of this for framing. Thanks, Rick.