content_output-099_4 (Q7002)

In the Paris Museum there are two, one differing in no respect from the one illustrated, but better made; the other is a breech-loader of Portuguese manufacture, and bears the inscription “Fabrica-real, Lisboa, anno 1779.” It is a breech-loader, all the mechanism being covered by a semicircular hinged lid. The mode of igniting the charge is by a flint and spiral spring, as already described. The barrel is fixed to the stock, the charge being ignited by the manipulation of the breech-plug.