Hi ya'all, and thanks for the comments. I just took a drive and met the owner of the supposed 1728 Bess. It turned out to be a wild goose chase, but I had to go and see. It was someones idea of a Bess, but certainly not even a good representation? I do not think and of the parts were actual original parts? I know, I should have taken some pics but my wife had our phone at the Dr's and besides, it was that bad.
Of course, might have given you all a good chuckle.
It looked like parts from one of those Indian Bess' but the wood didn't even look like walnut and it was all thick and heavy and mis-shapen. I think someone had parts and made the stock.
It had that early dated lock, yet metal RR and pipes, and the shorter barrel.
Oh, well. I needed to run the gas out of my truck I guess?, about a 70 mile round trip!!
But thanks all for the help. I really don't have any good books on the Bess and was in a hurry to check it out before someone else bought it, if it were correct.
Adios