The lock appears marked with a name just under the pan bolster, almost looks like "Hamm" from what I can see.
When we identify a lock as modern for newer collectors, or attribute an unsigned rifle to a known gunsmith, we can educate younger collectors and beginners if we take an extra minute or two to explain WHY it is a modern lock, or WHY it is attributed to a known gunmaker.
In this case for example, for new collectors we might point out areas to look at such as the fresh metal surfaces without years of oxidation and rust, modern machine-cut flat-bottomed screw head slots, minimal wear on working parts, top jaw screw with flat instead of pointed bottom, fine machining lines left on screw heads, sharp edges with no wear or small dings, "soft" edges on engraving on re-cast lock plates, etc. etc., so younger collectors will actually begin to learn what to look for when determining if a lock is old or new.
Same goes for attributing unsigned rifles, or even opinions on unsigned rifle, where just a couple comments on specific details that lead to the attribution can prove very helpful to newcomers. Even myself, as an advanced collector, would like to know at times what details others see that lead them to an attribution, since there is always room for learning a bit more about these great old rifles... or locks... or powder horns.
Shelby Gallien
