Original British Flintlock Mechanism with Faded Markings Attributed to Ketland & Co. Circa 1800 - Missing Springs

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a Circa 1800 flintlock mechanism that we believe to have been made by Ketland & Co., a famous Birmingham-based gunmaker with a long history, having added "& Co." in 1806. It has faded markings on both the tail and under the flash pan, where we can see a clear & Co. marking next to the frizzen spring finial. It is a "trade" style lock, often fitted to private purchase arms, and looks to have seen long service, with what looks to be 1714 added to the center of the lock using punched dogs, probably a serial number.

The lock plate is 5 3/4"long, and the lock is definitely in well patinated condition. It is a "double bridled" style lock, which has an internal bridle on the tumbler and sear, and an external one going from the flash pan to the frizzen spring. It has a "Swan Neck" cock, typical of the early 1800s, which looks to have had the securing screw replaced. The nock is definitely NOT functional, and is missing the mainspring and sear spring, as well as the top screw for the internal bridle.

A lovely conversation piece with some great research and restoration potential!