Question on latches for patch boxes

[FALout]

I’m doing research on a possible future project.  The latches I’m interested is something that would have been used on southern mountain rifles and those also used by Hersel House on his Woodbury rifles.  Just saw some pics in a recent publication of Hersel’s rifles, the catch has me puzzled whether cut out of a piece of metal or is it sheet metal that is formed to shape?  Then I guess my next question would be mounting?  I looked in the section on metal working, but didn’t see anything.  These catches/latches seem like they are different from traditional ones used on earlier patchboxes.  Any help would really appreciated.
Bob

[Not English]

FAL, This is my understanding from someone who knew Hershel and his gunbuilding quite well. The lids tended to be scrap steel and formed/forged to suit. The latches were a carbon/spring steel nail in essence. picture a rose head nail with the head offset to one side. The patchbox lid was notched just enough for the latch to slip over it. The stock was relieved enough for movement of the latch. The lid opened when the head was pushed away from the end of the lid. The "secret" if you want to call it that was that the head was shaped so that it covered any gaps for movement of the latch. Usually the lids had no spring to pop them open. They were fabricated with a slight bow in the lid away from the stock. When released, they just naturally popped open.

[FALout]

Is what you described also similar for SMR’s
Thanks

[smallpatch]

This is NOT one of mine, but a member here.  I saved this because I had the same question as you.  A cut nail works just great. Doesn’t need to be spring steel.  The nail shaft is thinned enough to allow it to move to release the cover

[FALout]

Thanks Dane,  I kind of remember these pics but didn’t see them in my search.  Might have to try working on a cut nail to see how it can work for me.  It’s interesting how when you get out of your comfort zone on rifle styles, some things can seem strange and need a work around but are easily done.

[duca]

This is NOT one of mine, but a member here.  I saved this because I had the same question as you.  A cut nail works just great. Doesn’t need to be spring steel.  The nail shaft is thinned enough to allow it to move to release the cover

Very cool.. just wondering is the nail just hammered in? would love to see a close up of this photo
Thanks

Duca

[smallpatch]

I’ve only done one so far, so I’m no expert.  I inlet the nail about ¾ of the way, mainly to get it to line up and function as the release, then drove it in the rest of the way. A little adjustment with a file from there.

[duca]

Thanks Dane

Duca

[RAT]

I suggest the American Pioneer Videos... Hershel House: Building a Kentucky Rifle Vol 1 & 2. He shows exactly how he does it. They are available from the same folks that publish Muzzleloader Magazine.