3rd model Brown Bess Locks

[Colonial Riflesmith]

I was looking at some antique 3rd model BB's and the locks were dated. I can't find any references of BB locks with dates on them. I have never seen dates on BB locks in the past. Question is,,,
were dates put on BB locks by the manufacturer, or is this guy trying to pull a fast one. Any input would be helpful.

[rallen]

Brown Bess locks were marked with engraved dates, but the 3rd model was introduced in 1795. By that time, dates were not engraved on the lock plate, due to economics. I can't find the reference, but I believe dates stopped being engraved during the late 1760's. I can't recall seeing engraved dates past the 1760's. I will try to check further.  There is a distinct cutoff when the Ordnance board did away with the dates.  I would be highly suspicious that the lock was original to the pattern if its dated.  Could be a replacement lock of an older pattern or someone wanting to make the gun something it's not.
Ryan

[Mike Brooks]

I had a 3rd pattern bess with the lock dated 1826.

[Randy Hedden]

I believe I have seen a first or second model Bess marked 1763.

Randy Hedden

[rallen]

According to DeWitt Bailey, 'No English locks are known and dated after 1764 when the process of dating locks was officially abolished'. There are Irish Dublin Castle locks marked 1767 & 1769. Once again, that's pre- 3rd model.  My interest is American war periods, so I can't comment on whether the practice was re-instated or, it could be possible that an individual regiment could mark and date their own locks?
Sorry, This isn't much help.
Ryan

[doug]

     I have two bess type locks but made for the East India Co and dated 1787 and 1815.  I think it was around 1809 when the British Gov was desperate for guns and bought the entire years consignment of EIC guns and I would expect those locks and guns to carry both EIC stamps with dates plus authentic British miltary stamps.

cheers Doug