seeking info on lock/locksmith

[pmccoywss]

Looking for information on lock shown in photos. Stamped date 10-18-77 on inside of lockplate above front of mainspring. Also engraved name "T. W. Robbins" inside lockplate. Lock has fly, and bridle is not a casting. Any info is appreciated.

 

[duca]

Very cool, I’m sure someone here will know what you have there

Anthony

 

[plmeek]

The name on the inside of the lock plate is "H. W. Robbins".

Harold Robbins was a lock maker back in the 1960s and into the 70s. He was a paraplegic and did all his machine work (lathe, mill, drill press) from a wheel chair.

Here is an add for some of his locks from a July 1967 issue of Muzzle Blasts.

I have a couple of his Hawken locks. They are very well made. Of course, it is near impossible to find replacement parts. If something breaks, a custom part will likely need to be made.

Your lock appears to be the Early American Style Flintlock from the ad above.

 

[pmccoywss]

Thanks Phil. Just the info I was looking for.

 

[Seathe]

It's difficult to determine the specific lock you're referring to based on this description, but locks with a date and name engraved inside the lockplate are not typically seen in modern lock manufacturing. It's possible that the lock you're referring to was handmade or produced by a small manufacturer. To determine the exact type and if it's still made today, it would be helpful to have additional information or images or ask locksmith in Grays.