I think the Lang patent for a sideplate retainer came in several different iterations. One used a key inserted after opening the trap door. This gun, ca. 1911 had a different idea. If one could open the trap door without damaging the sideplate, the sideplate actually jumps into one's hand.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Last edited by Daryl Hallquist; 12/24/24 03:03 PM.