Older guns had breechplugs that went into the barrel only 1/2". Modernly our breechplugs are 3/4" and this means that to set the lock right, it has to be placed forward. Placing it back (for aesthetics) works only if the breechplus is modified (cut/filed) partway so that there is an opening for the flash. This might be the case with your flintlock. There was an article several years ago in the NMLRA magazine, Muzzle Blasts, about it.
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