Author Topic: Strange Brown Bess Lock  (Read 3421 times)

Offline Fullstock longrifle

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Strange Brown Bess Lock
« on: May 25, 2012, 08:19:14 PM »
While surfing Gunbroker today I came across this gun.  Not much to it, but it has an unusual lock style that I've never seen before.  Anybody know what it is?  By the way, I have no connection to this auction and I don't plan to bid (not my thing), just curious.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=288450834

Frank

Offline Collector

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Re: Strange Brown Bess Lock
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2012, 08:37:12 PM »
Not everything British is a converted Brown Bess, but certainly does bait the hook.  I'm not familiar with the special feature incorporated into this lock, or it's usage, but it's deliberate in it's design and construction.  Perhaps another member can offer more information. 


Offline mr. no gold

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Re: Strange Brown Bess Lock
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2012, 09:04:54 PM »
Wonder if it's not one of those Afghan creations? The Khyber smiths were said to be able to make almost anything with virually no tools.
Dick

Offline Dr. Tim-Boone

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Re: Strange Brown Bess Lock
« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2012, 09:07:47 PM »
Somebody made themselves a "home defender"
De Oppresso Liber
Marietta, GA

Liberty is the only thing you cannot have unless you are willing to give it to others. – William Allen White

Learning is not compulsory...........neither is survival! - W. Edwards Deming

Offline lexington1

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Re: Strange Brown Bess Lock
« Reply #4 on: May 25, 2012, 09:31:18 PM »
That certainly is weird. I wonder if the lock was made for something else and later this thing was cobbled together? The lock appears to be an earlier 2nd model type with only one screw showing and a slight banana shaped plate. As to the locks purpose I have no clue  ???

eddillon

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Re: Strange Brown Bess Lock
« Reply #5 on: May 26, 2012, 01:29:49 AM »
Top view of the lock makes me think some sort of a tape primer thingy.  A la Maynard?

Offline Fullstock longrifle

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Re: Strange Brown Bess Lock
« Reply #6 on: May 26, 2012, 01:40:31 AM »
I thought the same thing, that it was for a primer of some sort, like the Maynard.  Didn't Sharps Rifles have some kind of pellet primer like this as well? Either way, I can't see how it would work.

Frank
« Last Edit: May 26, 2012, 01:42:45 AM by Fullstock longrifle »

eddillon

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Re: Strange Brown Bess Lock
« Reply #7 on: May 26, 2012, 01:51:51 AM »
Sharps 2nd Model used Maynard's patented system.