Handling original flintlocks in collections and museums has deepened my appreciation for their 18th-century craftsmanship. As I grew more familiar with the techniques and hand tools used by early gunsmiths, I became captivated by the subtle details that set each piece apart—from unique architectural elements specific to each gunsmith to tool marks on the stock that would frustrate modern perfectionists. Each flintlock reveals a narrative about its history, its previous owners, and the gunsmith who crafted it centuries ago.
 
Although more time-consuming, I believe that using traditional tools and stains produces a far more authentic finished product. In an era dominated by technology and tight deadlines, building flintlocks allows me to connect with a simpler pace of life. Each piece is individually crafted, ensuring that no two are identical. My hope is that, in two hundred years, someone will pick up one of my creations and ponder, "What stories does this one hold?"

~ Eric von Aschwege