Several
dated examples exist, the earliest known being the English snaphance
engraved 1584, now in the Tojhusmuseet, Copenhagen. Another, dated
1588, is in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and a third
example, dated 1590, can be seen at the Royal Armouries, Leeds. These
examples confirm that the lock was fully developed prior to 1580.
In
the first two decades of the 17th century, snaphance guns were
considered to be one of the leading technological innovations in
England and they were included among gifts to the royalty of Europe.
Much evidence survives to show that the snaphance remained popular in
England until the 1640s, although comparatively few examples now exist.
For a detailed discussion of the English Snaphance Lock see: Brian C.
Godwin, The English Snaphance Lock, London Park Lane Arms Fair
catalogue, Spring 2006, pp.28.63
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