Bess lock plate

[mikee51848]

I have a Pedersoli Bess. I'm thinking about modifying the lock, to get rid of the 1762 Grice markings. Options include purchasing the 1746 Willets lock face from Track, trying to find a new lock that will fit it (Christian Springs?), or grinding off the Grice/1762 date. I'm afraid the last option might weaken the lock significantly and the first option I'm not sure if the screw holes will line up. Thoughts and opinions?

 

[Swampman]

Kit Ravenshear reengraved the date on my 1762 Grice lock. I believe he changed it to 1756. I don't believe your parts will fit the 1746 Willets lock plate.

 

[Okwaho]

Kit also reengraved my son's lock from 1762 Grice to 1756 when he changed the short land pattern Bess to a long land pattern model.There's a lot more than the lock date to modify such a gun and I would consider the whole gun ,not just the lock.
Tom Patton

 

[mikee51848]

Thanks guys, I agree there's more to change than the lock engraving. How do I contact Kit?

 

[CrackStock]

I believe that Kit has passed away a few years ago. There are others that defarb Besses.

CS