Matchlock side plate?

[mazo kid]

I've done a bit of searching and haven't found a photo of a matchlock with a side plate. The only pictures I have found (so far) indicate the lock retaining screws go through the stock and into the lock with no side plate and maybe just a washer under the heads. If side plates were used, were they in a later period? Thanks. Emery

 

[Itegorm]

Interesting question. I can't think of any origional matchlock that I have ever seen that had a side plate, for that matter I only remember ever seeing 2 that even had washers under the lock nails. One had just plain looking round washers and the other had a square washer set into the stock under one of the heads.
For that matter there seems to be very little exidence for sideplates (sometimes washers) on most of the early flintlocks I have ever seen. I don't know about the wheel locks though.
To my way of thincking a sideplate (or washers) was simply to keep the heads on the lock nails (screws) from digging into the wood with disassembly and reassembly. That being said there are very few times I can think of that I have ever needed to pull the lock off of a matchlock. Maybe there is a conection there?

 

[T.C.Albert]

heres a rather elaborate one...

T.Albert

 

[mazo kid]

WOW!! That is very ornate. Thanks for the replies guys. Emery

 

[Itegorm]

Wow, that is quite a nice looking bit of metalwork. Any information on the gun itsself? When? Where?

 

[T.C.Albert]

Here is some additional info...look under the second matchlock section. [url] http://www.lanouvelle-france.com/mousquet/mainmousquet.htm[/url]
T.Albert