Well - I have a pair of August Chapu (French) best shotguns - I think they were sourced in Liege. One lock in both guns is broken and I would like to find someone who actually can repair sidelocks. The first gunsmith tried welding part of the broken plate three times (over a year), broke a mainspring and gave up. The second gunsmith is fixing the broken mainspring but after having the guns 6 months has said he is not able to fix them either. Another Marcel Donckier sidelock with a broken tumbler that has the intercepting sear was just left that way by this gunsmith and the gun pronounced shootable. So yes I would like to find someone who can work on and fix sidelocks.
Rick, would it be possible for you to post some pics of the broken lock plate(s)? I'm sure there are many who are curious about that type failure. If you don't have any close-up pics it might be helpful to take some to email to potential gunsmiths. I feel sure you have already considered/done this, though.
Best, SRH
