This mechanism was thus named from the sharp striking movement of the vice holding the flint, it reminded early Dutchmen of the pecking action of a schnapp – hahn, literally translated as pecking cock.

This name was adopted by Scandinavia, Germany and also England, but was corrupted to the word we know today Snaphaunce and pronounced Snaphance.

The above countries also accepted the name cock for the flint vice but preferred hammer, steel or battery for the bar of steel it struck.

The Dutch Snaphaunce is easily recognisable by its large S – Shaped cock and the large disc found on the end of the pan.

This type of lock though in its primitive version, was still being made in 1885 in Morocco, after it had disappeared from the European countries.

Our debut Snaphaunce is based on an original piece from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and can be mounted on short carbines and even the smaller type of fowler.

Watch this space for release dates and prices