Thread: ancient percussion lock identification

Im currently working on stabilizing the oldest wooden dwelling in the South Island built between 1840 and 1843.
All work is being done under an archaeological authority and supervision.
Im finding and bagging absolutely hundreds ( maybe a thousand by now ) of interesting artifacts that all get bagged and tagged.

This evening I found a book in a wall space above a window in the loft and also ..... an intact percussion lock.
Pretty cool when you are a mad keen hunter and gun nut.

Here are some images of the lock.
Im keen to have an idea of exactly what it is before I have a meeting in CHCH on Thursday with the lead archaeologist.









There are two small markings on the trigger sear visible in one of the close ups.
The hammer was left fully cocked and the sear is still mover freely.

Thoughts from those with knowledge about such items much appreciated.

Looks like a sidelock off and old side by side shotgun.

Very cool finds! Post some more of the stuff, finding treasure is awesome!

P53 Enfield Lock

Pretty much the same as a Snider Lock.
The First Sniders were P53's with the end cut off and a Breech screwed on.
The later Sniders were build from the ground up as Breech Loaders.
Citric acid in an ultrasonic cleaner should reveal the legend "TOWER" stamped behind the Hammer on the lock plate.

Sorry to be sidetracked but it sounds like a great project - any pictures of the house?

It is definitely not a P53 Enfield or Snider lock. It is a from a French military musket, circa 1830, many of which were converted from flintlock to percussion.

I think its off an early Purdy?

Originally Posted by gundoc

It is definitely not a P53 Enfield or Snider lock. It is a from a French military musket, circa 1830, many of which were converted from flintlock to percussion.

Ok I will fill in a few of the blanks for you then.


The house is in Akaroa Harbour, Banks Peninsula.
It was built by the French Navy in around 1840 to 1843 while they were stationed in Akaroa to protect the interests of the original French settlers that arrived in Akaroa shortly after sovereignty had been established by a British Court of Law.
The house is considered to be the oldest dwelling still existing intact in the South Island and has considerable historic merit.
It has not been used as a dwelling for around 100 years and is quite unique in never having had any plumbing or electricity installed and is therefore almost as built.

Im open to all suggestions as to it provenance and have a totally open mind as to French or English origin as it was lived in by original settlers for maybe 5 decades after the French Navy left the area.

Originally Posted by Maca49

I think its off an early Purdy?

Due to the style and shape?
Or the small symbols on the sear ?

Originally Posted by gundoc

It is definitely not a P53 Enfield or Snider lock. It is a from a French military musket, circa 1830, many of which were converted from flintlock to percussion.

That does look right.

knew I should have gone up stairs to look at mine.

Pictures of the project please.

Originally Posted by norsk

That does look right.

knew I should have gone up stairs to look at mine.

Pictures of the project please.

This is what it looked like prior to the Canterbury quakes.
When I got involved it was leaning 5 degrees towards the east from all the shakes and 175 year old studs and piles.
Still plenty to do but its not likely to fall over now and all the props and temporary timbers are starting to come off.
Replace all the buggered weatherboards and a new roof and this stage is completed.



So does anyone have an image of something the same or very close to back up the debate ?

Originally Posted by akaroa1

Due to the style and shape?
Or the small symbols on the sear ?

The rust!

Originally Posted by norsk

That does look right.

knew I should have gone up stairs to look at mine.

Pictures of the project please.

It not a snider, muzzle loader, French house? French connection? French?

Thats the old place out the Wainui side near French Farm.....correct? Search the List | French Farm House | Heritage New Zealand

Originally Posted by Mathias

Thats the old place out the Wainui side near French Farm.....correct? Search the List | French Farm House | Heritage New Zealand

Correct.

contact your local antique arms branch. if anyone can help im sure they can.