Scottish belt pistol J D DOUGALL Glasgow

corrado26 · 12th July 2025, 04:42 PM

The boxlock is a firing mechanism in which the lock mechanism is mounted on the inside of the weapon rather than on the mostly right side. Boxlock closures were common in the 18th and 19th centuries. The breech owes its name to the fact that the lock mechanism is typically installed in a type of box, usually behind the barrel.
Boxlock systems have the advantage of being more compact than side-mount lock mechanisms, making them a popular choice for pocket pistols. Their compact design also makes them well suited for multi-barreled pistols and pepperbox pistols.

The lockwork is also enclosed in the box, which protects the lockwork from dirt and damage.

The disadvantage of a box lock is that it is more complex and expensive to manufacture.

urbanspaceman · 13th July 2025, 09:15 PM

This is not a box-lock Jim.

urbanspaceman · 13th July 2025, 09:19 PM

These are box-locks with the mechanism centered into the top of the breech as opposed to the side.
Percussion cap versions became available though not so much as the flint variety.
You will often see side mechanism percussion cap pistols referred to as box locks... I don't know why.
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Name: ice_screenshot_20250713-211710.jpeg
Views: 169
Size: 56.3 KB

12th July 2025, 04:42 PM	#1
corrado26 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Black Forest, Germany Posts: 1,239	The boxlock is a firing mechanism in which the lock mechanism is mounted on the inside of the weapon rather than on the mostly right side. Boxlock closures were common in the 18th and 19th centuries. The breech owes its name to the fact that the lock mechanism is typically installed in a type of box, usually behind the barrel. Boxlock systems have the advantage of being more compact than side-mount lock mechanisms, making them a popular choice for pocket pistols. Their compact design also makes them well suited for multi-barreled pistols and pepperbox pistols. The lockwork is also enclosed in the box, which protects the lockwork from dirt and damage. The disadvantage of a box lock is that it is more complex and expensive to manufacture. Last edited by corrado26; 13th July 2025 at 07:11 AM.

13th July 2025, 09:15 PM	#2
urbanspaceman Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Tyneside. North-East England Posts: 715	Lock This is not a box-lock Jim.

13th July 2025, 09:19 PM	#3
urbanspaceman Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Tyneside. North-East England Posts: 715	box lock example These are box-locks with the mechanism centered into the top of the breech as opposed to the side. Percussion cap versions became available though not so much as the flint variety. You will often see side mechanism percussion cap pistols referred to as box locks... I don't know why. Last edited by urbanspaceman; 13th July 2025 at 11:44 PM.