Symbol on Germanic gun lock

[RSMorris]

I have this lock plate by Zella made in 1849. It was made in the European region and some considered these among others to be Civil War imported. Don't know about it, doesn't matter. But does anyone know what this symbol stood for?

 

[Old Soldier]

It is an inspector's mark, possibly for the factory at Suhl. It did not have to be made there, but was tested/checked and accepted there. Zella are nominally Austrian firm, but there are a number of hyphenated firms with that name like Zella-Mehlis, who later linked to Walther and Anschutz around the city of Suhl. I also noted the top of a 'Duchy' type German acceptance mark higher up. (Germany at the time was a collection of dukedoms and small kingdoms and only became 'Germany' after 1871

 

[RSMorris]

It is an inspector's mark, possibly for the factory at Suhl. It did not have to be made there, but was tested/checked and accepted there. Zella are nominally Austrian firm, but there are a number of hyphenated firms with that name like Zella-Mehlis, who later linked to Walther and Anschutz around the city of Suhl. I also noted the top of a 'Duchy' type German acceptance mark higher up. (Germany at the time was a collection of dukedoms and small kingdoms and only became 'Germany' after 1871

Here is the crown looking symbol and the lock plate.

 

[Old Soldier]

Yes. A Suhl acceptance stamp. Crown over 'S' . It is also found on barrel proofs.

Suhl was the equivalent of the 'Gun Quarter' of Birmingham or Liege
This is a similar lock from a Prussian M1839/55 musket marked simply SUHL:

I presume this is the equivalent of TOWER for British guns. Yours may well be from a private purchase gun or one made for one of the other duchies.

 

[RSMorris]

Yes. A Suhl acceptance stamp. Crown over 'S' . It is also found on barrel proofs.
Suhl was the equivalent of the 'Gun Quarter' of Birmingham or Liege
This is a similar lock from a Prussian M1839/55 musket marked simply SUHL:
I presume this is the equivalent of TOWER for British guns. Yours may well be from a private purchase gun or one made for one of the other duchies.

Thank you very much for the info.....

 

[Old Soldier]

No problem. It helps expand my knowledge too