The Miquelet Lock originated in the late 1500's Spain. This sturdy lock would be the standard military lock in Spain during the flint era except for a time in the mid 1700's. It was also very common in the Spanish colonies.
It was noted by Andrew Jackson just before the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, that he had found some several hundred escopeta's (light Spanish carbines) that were issued to the U.S. troops before the battle. So there was some usage by the United States with these arms.
To find out more, please click here to go to the Miquelet Odyssey site.