Francisco Targarona Miquelet Escopeta

This Spanish military carbine is typical of the arms carried in Mexico and colonial America.

Circa 1775 Spanish Colonial Martial Miquelet-lock Escopeta (single-shot/ muzzle-loading/ black powder/ ball ammunition) Utilizing a miquelet-lock (featuring external mainspring and sears), this martial escopeta (small musket) is typical of those employed by Spanish military forces to protect ranches and settlements in Mexico, California, Texas, and present-day New Mexico during the late 18th century. Known to have served at Santa Fe and to have been re-banded in America, this small musket was made in Madrid by Francisco Targarona, a royal gun maker. His work served as a model for other Spanish gunsmiths. Using escopetas such as this, the Spanish settled Alta California beginning in 1769. While Britain's American colonies were drifting toward rebellion, the Spanish were seeking new frontiers along the Pacific coast of North America. --Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #21