Flintlock Repeating Pistol with Lorenzoni Action, Bearing the Crests of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758–1805), with Case and Accessories

A flintlock uses a piece of flint that strikes a piece of steel, creating a spark that ignites the gunpowder to fire. The flintlock mechanism consists of several parts, including the cock or hammer, which holds the flint; the frizzen, a hinged steel plate that holds the priming powder; and the pan, a small depression in the top of the gun's breech that holds the priming powder. When the trigger is pulled, the cock or hammer falls forward and strikes the frizzen, causing it to pivot forward and expose the priming powder in the pan. The spark created by the flint striking the steel then ignites the priming powder, which in turn ignites the main charge of gunpowder in the barrel, firing the gun. Flintlock firearms were widely used by both military and civilian users for several centuries until they were gradually replaced by more modern firearms which use percussion caps to ignite the gunpowder. However, flintlocks remain popular with firearms enthusiasts and historical re-enactors.