Flintlocks with dog catches in addition to internal half-cock notches were generally abandoned by the end of the first quarter of the 18th century but were still occasionally used as added safety mechanisms; they are far less common than traditional "true flintlocks." The lock has light engraving and is marked "MEMORY" at the center. The muzzle flares to 1 1/4 inches, and the multi-stage barrel has nicely formed bands and is marked with "MEMORY SOUTHWARK," London proof and view marks, and a "MM" hallmark. The left side has a pierced side plate and a sling bar (ring absent). The side plate, buttplate, and trigger guard have light traditional engraving. "CO88" (a collection marking) is on the toe of the buttplate in marker. Michael Memory began his apprenticeship in 1735 and remained active until his death in 1798. He manufactured arms under contract with the British ordnance department and East India Company. The thumb plate is inscribed "ABRAHAM/HUME, ESQR." Sir Abraham Hume, 1st Baronet Wormleybury (1703-1772) was heavily involved in the East India Company and also served as a commissary and commissary general for the Ordnance Department, and in the House of Commons in Parliament from 1747-1768 from the "rotten boroughs" of Steyning and Tregony. He was made a baronet in 1769. Other members of the family were active within the East India Company and English politics. Some served on East India Company ships and ran outposts overseas.