Lock from a David Kennedy dated 1836

[bama]

I have started a bench copy of a David Kennedy rifle for a client. This is the lock that’s on the original rifle. The lock fits the mortise very well. The lock internals are individually inlet which is something I haven’t seen on many original longrifles. I believe this lock is original to this rifle. The lock is marked W. Jacot  1836. I believe was located in Kentucky. I think David Kennedy bought the lock from Jacot who was probably a merchant. When did David move to Alabama? Is this rifle possibly an Alabama made rifle? Would Kennedy bought locks from Kentucky while he was in North Carolina? Any info would be appreciated.

[rich pierce]

Great looking lock. What will you use on your bench copy?

[bama]

Chis Hirsh has castings of an original English round tailed lock that is the same size with a reinforced cock that I am going to use.

[Hungry Horse]

 This is a beautiful late period flintlock in great shape. That lock would really look great on an early plains rifle.

Hungry Horse

[Avlrc]

Cool looking lock

[c deperro]

Would love to see some pictures of the rifle.

[JTR]

That's a beauty of a lock!

[Bob Roller]

That is a neat lock and that mechanism is simplicity defined.If I made it there would be a "fly"..
1836 and a flint lock.THAT was the year Sam Colt made his first 5 shot cap fired revolver and
firearms made a big step forward.
Bob Roller

[DaveM]

Very nice original lock! It is always nice to see an original and not a reconversion.

[bama]

Yes, this is a nice original lock indeed. The more that I study this lock the more I am impressed by it. Bob FYI. this lock does have a fly.

I am posting a few more pictures of this lock to point out some design features that I think are important to lock function. The two things I have noticed on this lock is the cammed wheel of the frizzen spring and a timed tumbler that rotates the sear notches so the sear stops at the same location. This lock functions flawlessly and is as smooth as silk but yet does not have an over powerful main spring or frizzen spring. Many of our modern locks have this timed tumbler which greatly helps with trigger placement but I have never noticed the cammed wheel in a frizzen spring on any of the modern copies.

As I look at this lock and the castings that I have received from Chris Hirsh I realize the the task of building a copy of this lock is not going to be easy or for the faint of heart. It is a challenge that I am looking forward to with great excitement.

[Daryl]

Ahhh - a fly in the lockment.
This picture shows the top of the fly's slot, above the bridle.



Then the picture of clock full bent, shows the fly.

[cshirsch]

This is a Jacot WARRANTED lock that I made molds from and have castings.   

[Eric Krewson]

The guy who is a Kenedy gun expert is always set up on the right as soon as you go in the door of the Alabama Kentucky long rifle show, he would know. I live about 6 miles from where the original Kenedy gun factory was in Greenhill Al

[bama]

Hi Eric, that fellow was Tom Kilgo. Unfortunately Tom passed away earlier this year. His wife will be at the upcoming Alabama show with some of Tom's collection that she has for sale. Tom will be missed, he was a great source of information and co authored the Alabama Gun Makers book.

Chris, thanks for posting that lock. I believe the castings I got from you will make a very close copy of the lock that is on the original rifle.