Fowling Piece

Approx. Period: 1680 AD
Length: 1.50m Width: 0.05m

Muskets and fowling guns from early Scottish manufacturers had a distinctive design with a large paddle-shaped butt and deeply carved flutes set in the curve of the stock. This design was also known as the "Heron Butt". The guns were usually fitted with large snaphaunce lock mechanisms.

The word 'Snaphaunce' is said to be derived from the Dutch 'Snap-haens' or chicken thief. Another theory is that it refers to the falling cock or hammer being a similar action to a cock pecking. This in German is 'Schnapphann'. With this type of mechanism the flash-pan has to be uncovered by hand before firing. In later flintlock designs the pan is opened automatically by the flint striking the cover.