H. M'Callen, Auburn

[Roger B]

I just got a very nice mule ear lock with the above makers name and also stamped "patent" in two places.  It has a true half cock notch with a fly!  The plate is engraved nicely and much of the case color remains.  The mainspring is a leaf, but the sear spring is a coil.  I will get some pictures later, but can anyone identify this fellow?
Roger B.

[Curt J]

Are you sure that name isn't H. M'Clallen, rather than M'Callen?  There was a Hugh M'Clallen, who worked in Auburn, New York, 1829 - 1860. He was born in 1792 and died in 1860.  He was apparently a fairly prolific maker, employing several other gunsmiths in his shop. Several of his guns are pictured in Vol. 3 of the Swinney/Tom Rowe books, THE NEW YORK STATE FIREARMS TRADE.

[Roger B]

Curt;
You nailed it.  I didn't notice the extra L.  Whoever built the lock did a fine job.  I'd love to reproduce it.  I still have not figured out how the fly works because I haven't had the guts to take it apart yet.  I can see it on a target gun in the near future.
Roger B.

[bgf]

Pictures please.  I'm working on a mule-ear lock for a convertible target rifle (i.e. flint or cap) and can't get enough of them.  The fly is a trick that I'd like to see also!