Richmond Lock Plates

Richmond Lock Plates come in a number of different types.

Type1: Would be the high hump lock plates that were stamped 1861 to the left of the hammer and Richmond, Va to the right side. These Richmonds were made before the Armory was transferred to the Confederate Government and were not stamped with the C.S. over the Richmond, Va. Unfortunately I do not have an example of this type of lock plate.

Type 2: Were similar too type 1( high humps) except they would be stamped with C.S. over Richmond, Va. indicating they were weapons that were made after the Armory was transferred to the Confederate Government.

Type 3: Lock plates were lock plates (high humps) that the hump on the plate was either cut or grinded down to allow the user to quickly insert and remove the primer, since the hump usually got in the way, slowing down the loading time of even the best foot soldier.

Type 4: Lock plates that used retooled dies and reconfigured the high hump design lock plate to what most call a low hump. These plates measure approximately 1 5/8″  from the top of the hump area of the lock plate to the bottom of the plate. This alteration was the design of William Wentzel, starting in about April of 1862 throughout the course of the war.

11 thoughts on “Richmond Lock Plates

    • Don, not an easy piece to find and if you do expect to pay a minimum of $1500.00 for it…..may be best to look for and or Richmond in poor condition that has a Lock Plate attached…….if I see one in my travels I will give you a shout.

      Regards, Gene West

      • Thank you . I just picked up a richmond rifle in Delaware. I am undecided on if I want to restore or let it alone. It’s a war dog with a lot of use but still in very good shape. It has a trenton lock.

  1. I’ve enjoyed your website. I’m looking at a rifle that has what appears to be a Type 4 Richmond lock, but it completely unmarked. The interior of the lock matches the pictures on the website, and the stock has a mule shoe as in your pictures. The rifle has an 1861 Springfield barrel cut down to 32 inches, with Springfield rear and front sights. It has a brass unmarked butt plate and one “U” barrel band and another unmarked. I’m told the stock and nose cap above the upper barrel band was replaced at some point. The barrel has been cleaned but still has the V and part of the P proof. Unfortunately someone bored it out to a smooth bore at some point. It’s a handsome rifle cleaned up and repaired at some point, but I can’t find any references to unmarked lock plates. Thoughts? I appreciate your help. I’d be glad to send photos.

    • Richard,
      Obviously I haven’t seen images of the weapon in question since you haven’t provided any, however my best guess based on experience is the lock plate of the weapon you have is a surplus, condemned Maynard Primer type lock plate that hasn’t been milled for the primer compartment.
      Many of these were purchased by Whitney for pennies on the dollars from the Springfield and Harpers Ferry Armories. There is no association between this type lock plate and the Richmond Armory.
      I will include an attachment below that may explain better then me.
      Regards Gene West

      • Thanks for the quick reply. I can send photos to your web address. The attachment didn’t come through. Thanks for your help!

  2. gene,
    I found a lock plate high hump no markings at all– not sure what it is. would like to send you photos and get your opinion. need your email

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