Looking for lock maker info.

[sean138]

Anyone know of Russ Namm? My father recently passed and one of his rifles had a brass plated percussion lock with the name "Russ Namm" engraved on it. I can post photos later if needed. Thanks.
Sean

 

[George]

I expect that is Russ Hamm. He was a lock maker back in the 70s.

Spence

 

[sean138]

Thanks very much and I do believe it is an H and not an N.
Sean

 

[galamb]

I think you will find it's marked Russ Hamm.

Russ was a lock builder back a good while ago (1960's/70's) - he didn't build rifles, so someone simply built with one of his locks.

His locks were not great by today's standards but given the availability 40 or 50 years ago they were at least a little better than what the average hobbyists could build themselves.

So you have the "lock maker", perhaps check the barrel (underneath), if it's not otherwise marked, to try and determine the builder.

Otherwise, you can only narrow it down to a 1960/70's build.

 

[sean138]

Thanks for the info. My father was the builder, I was curious about the lock though. It doesn't hold at half cock so its gonna need some work. It looks pretty from the outside but I have a feeling the inside won't look so good. I charging my camera so I'll post a photo later for anyone thats interested.
Sean

 

[mooman76]

Clean it up inside and that may be all it needs. You should be able to tell from locking at the insides.

 

[galamb]

Depending on the issue with the lock you may be able to get some parts for it that will work with a bit of tinkering.

CVA had one of Russ's locks mass produced for use on their rifles and the places that still sell replacement parts also note if they will fit Hamm/Maslin style (the guts on others may be similar enough ????)

Bob Roller once commented Russ's locks looked great on the outside but were a "hopeless case" internally :idunno:

 

[George]

Just for general interest, here are a few pictures of a new, unused Russ Hamm flint lock from about 1975-6.
http://s881.photobucket.com/user/Spence_2010/slideshow/Hamm Flintlock

Spence

 

[Patocazador]

CVA had one of Russ's locks mass produced for use on their rifles and the places that still sell replacement parts also note if they will fit Hamm/Maslin style (the guts on others may be similar enough ????)

I believe Deer Creek Products in Waldron, Ind. has a large inventory of CVA parts. (765-525-6181)

 

[galamb]

Your father must be "ancient" :rotf:

Here's a piece from one of the noted auction sites from a few years back -

Kentucky Flintlock Rifle, by "Russ Hamm, Warranted", 40 caliber, Mid to Late 1800's Antique Weapon.

This Kentucky Flintlock Rifle, is marked on the Lock Plate "Russ Hamm, Warranted", and is in 40 caliber, with double set triggers.

This Antique Weapon has a very dark tiger striped full stock with ornately carved brass inlaid furniture, and a silver like eagle inlay. The stock has been broken and expertly repaired in front of the cheek piece.

There are pins missing from the trigger guard, replaced by modern ones, and modern screws have been put in the patch box. This Rifle will not hold a cock. This is a really nice looking rifle that needs just a little care to make it a beautiful piece.

 

[sean138]

I'm not sure how long ago he built this rifle and he left no notes on the 3 that I have. Thanks to everyone that responded.
Sean

 

[Rifleman1776]

I recall, Hamm locks were well regarded.

 

[nwtradegun]

l and r lock co. makes a replacement in flint and perc. for the russ hamm locks