Single anchor lock screw question,any help appricated.

[Buckscoshooter]

 I posted over in Suzkat's thread and thought I'd start a thread with a question. I know that a Lock anchored with 1 screw is not common. But, would this suggest a specific era of build and or a likley Maker and School of build? Any help or thoughts would be appricated.

[Dennis Glazener]

Most single lock bolts were used on percussion rifles but I have seen several original flint rifles that used one bolt. I have heard that most of the pre-1820 southern flint mountain rifles used two and later ones often used only one. Not sure how true this is.

I have used single lock bolts on quite a few flint locks and never had a problem.

Dennis

[Buckscoshooter]

Thanks Dennis, Pretty much on par with what I do know. Was hoping for maybe a makers name or school that has been documented with this style.

[Arnie Dowd]

Personally believe the use of a single screw for a flintlock is somewhat haphazard.
Have seen many over the years and one of the more interesting applications is where there is a hook on the inside facing of the front area of the lock that slips
into a iron loop or staple type connector that is in the bottom of the stock inlet area for the lock plate.  This is the type of application which was used on the left-
handed, Risingson Longrifle of the Lexington, KY school which hangs over my fireplace     Arnie Dowd

[Tanselman]

The use of a single lock bolt on American rifles is most common on southern rifles. In Kentucky, where I collect and research, it is common to find single bolt flintlocks after about 1825... I think 1820 might be a little early for single bolt flintlocks, but there is always an exception to every rule.  Keep in mind that some late flintlocks made in the percussion era also had a single bolt similar to their percussion counterparts, Tennessee mountain rifles being a good example, and often get dated a little earlier than they really are. Shelby Gallien

[Arnie Dowd]

Shelby -  I agree with you completely, especially about it being more common in the South.  With respect to the time frame your post 1825 date is most likely but there is always the exception and in this case it is the "Risingson" rifle which is circa 1815 or maybe even a bit earlier.  Arnie
PS - but of course this is a rifle you and I will be discussing forever