Thomas Matson Doglock Musket

One of the first firearms with a safety mechanism, this doglock could be carried safely while loaded.

Mid-17th Century English Northeastern Colonial Martial Dog-Lock Rifle (single-shot/ muzzle-loading/ black powder/ ball ammunition) Dog-locks got their name from a safety catch that is located behind the cock. They work on the principle of striking flint against steel to produce sparks. This rare Thomas Matson circa 1650 specimen, with rifled barrel, is one of the first guns to be produced in America. American dog-lock rifles were expensive to fabricate. They are difficult to repair and slow to load, but they will fire in wet weather and are accurate at great distances. This firearm served English colonists near Boston, and was probably used to defend fortifications. --Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #6