close the frizzen and lower the flint to the frizzen. If the agate (in this case upside down as it is... bevel down they say although I do not know if that is so important) hits in the center of the frizzen, it is an older style lock. If the flint hits 3/4 of the way up the frizzen then it is the newer style cock.

The older style spark just fine. But the longer the flint slides the frizzen the longer and hotter the spark I was told. My First T/C had an old lock. I sent it to T/C and they changed it over for free. Whether they are still doing that I will not say.

Actually the flintlock is not only a lot easier to use then people think, but they are fast when tuned right. And the sense of satisfaction when it goes boom and hits is just a bonus. That is a fine looking rifle.