U.S. Military Flintlock Musket

Supports the tumbler and sear pivots.

Holds the flint. Called the hammer in US usage, which is the reverse of British usage — a frequent source of confusion when reading period sources.

Prevents the sear catching the half-cock notch during firing.

The steel struck by the flint. Called the battery, or confusingly the hammer, in British usage.

Returns the frizzen over the pan and holds it closed.

Tightens the top jaw onto the flint.

Base plate mounting all lock components.

Drives the cock forward.

Holds the priming powder.

Secures the pan to the lockplate.

Catches the tumbler notches at half and full cock.

Tensions the sear against the tumbler.

Clamps the flint against the cock.

Rotates with the cock and engages the sear.

The channel from pan to main charge.

Retain the barrel bands in position.

Secure the barrel to the stock. Band count and style are major identification features.

Protects the rear of the buttstock. Tang length and shape are dating features.

The rear portion of the stock, against the shoulder.

The forward portion of the stock under the barrel.

Caps the forestock; sometimes doubles as a bayonet lug mount.

Compartment in the buttstock. Common on American long rifles and the Mississippi family.

Seats the charge in a muzzleloader and cleans the bore.

Retain the ramrod beneath the barrel.

The ramrod head. Its shape distinguishes period and model.

Pass through the stock to secure the lock.

Sits opposite the lock on two-piece-stocked arms.

Attachment points for the sling.

Releases the sear.

Protects the trigger; often integral with the trigger plate.

Mounts the trigger inside the stock.

Mounts the bayonet to the muzzle end.

Inspector's stamp in the stock. A key identification and valuation feature.

Forward aiming reference, often integral with a base or block.

Ladder sights on breechloaders; block-and-notch on muskets.