I can see how that happened SJ, especially with a short splinter f/e.
I can envision a different Anson style latch where a small metal button, shaped like the front end of the f/e wood, would be inset into it so that, when latched, the button would be flush with the wood, but easily depressed with the fingertip to remove. Dewey V. could make that happen very easily, I believe. What I picture would look very attractive, and be more practical as well, in my mind.
FWIW, some guns with Deeley & Edge latches seem to stay tight much longer than others. My old BSS, hard used with heavy loads, and having a beavertail f/e which stresses the whole relationship more, has stayed tight all these years. No discernible movement at all in the f/e when the breech is opened fully. Even though the right barrel is .003" off face the f/e remains snug. I have not a clue why it has stayed tight when others, less used and with splinters, have worked themselves slightly loose. Jim Kelley tightened one for me on a Philly A grade Fox last year.
SRH
