Original Item: One of a Kind. Here we have a very interesting example of a relic condition early British type flintlock, with a single screw behind the hammer, as used on the Brown Bess musket during the late 18th century. This was acquired from Citadelle Laferrière in  Milot, Haiti by Captain Francis Kane, USMC, while he was stationed there in the late 1920s - early 1930s during the U.S occupation of 1915-1934. The lock is mounted on a mahogany block measuring 10"L x 3 3/8"W x 1 3/8", and came with the following note from one of Francis Kane's grandchildren, which reads:

From the Citadel in Haiti during the reign of Henri Christophe, the first ruler of Haiti after gaining independence from France. He was a horrible dictator and was overthrown and killed by the people. Citadel was destroyed after revolution. Flint lock was from cannon at Citadel. Flintlock came from my mother, Frances Kane, who grew up in Haiti where my grandfather (Francis kane) was stationed in the army in late 1920s early 1930s.

From what we can see, it is very possible that it is original British Manufacture, and probably arrived there during the period leading up to the Haitian Revolution and the rule of Henri Christophe, the first and only monarch of Haiti. It was he who had the commissioned the Citadel to be built in 1805, and it was completed in 1820. British arms were often readily available on the market, though it does not look like the usual type of flintlock that would be used on a cannon. Considering the other historical inaccuracies in the note, the story may have been embellished over the years. Henri Christophe was not popular, and had constant threats to his rule. In 1820 he suffered a stroke, and rather than risk dealing with a coup and possible assassination or execution, he took his own life, and was buried in the Citadel.

Included with the lock is some printed research material, the previously mentioned note, and a copy of the USMC muster roll showing Francis Kane. Definitely some interesting research potential here!

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