3 Attachment(s)
Strongbox lock identification Herring or Chubb?
Hi,
I am new to the Forum. I need some help in identifying a lock and its age.
So time ago, I bought strongbox with its original key at an estate sale. The Box measures 20 X 15" X 13" and weighs 126 lbs. it has triangular handles on each end. I believe the box was made by Herring of New York. I am attaching several pictures.
From what I have seen on earlier postings, my lock may be Herring made Chubb 1828 look-alike. The lock is a self contained lever lock without the Detector.
A note of interest in the picture of the lock's cover plate, you will see the original brass key. You will also note regarding the screws. Screw in upper right corner has one punched dot on screw and one punched dot on plate next to it. Upper left corner screw has two dots punched on it and two dots punched on plate next to it. Lower left screw has thee dots punched on it and three dots punched on plate next to it. The screw in the lower right corner has no dots on it.
I would appreciate if someone could help me to identify the maker of the box, the lock and the its age.
Strongbox lock identification Herring or Chubb
Quote:
Originally Posted by
oldlock
Cant help with who made it, but it's certainly not Chubb.
I thank you for your thoughts on this. I just have no idea as to where to look for an answer.
Do you have any thoughts regarding the "dots" scribed on the three screws? I have been told they may mean that the screws were possibly hand made or lathe cut.
Screw slots appear to have been cut with hacksaw. Bracket screws attaching lock to front of box show off-center slot cuts and uneven thread angle cuts.
Any thought on key?
Thank you again.
Strongbox lock identification Herring or Chubb
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cepasaccus
The dots are the standard way to mark the position of the screws. There should be also dots next to the screw holes. The same number of dots should be paired. This is the case on your last photo.
Does this say anything about whether screws are hand made, lathe cut. They definitely don't appear machine
made.
Than you for your reply.
Strongbox lock identification Herring or Chubb
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cepasaccus
It does probably not say anything about the production method. Have seen it on screws from the 1960s.
Believe it to have belonged to American Civil War Union Commanding Officer. Used for personal effects.
At least that old.
Strongbox lock Identification Herring or Chubb
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Doug MacQueen
In Herring's 1866 catalog there is pictured a similar box, but the handles are a bit different. But you are definitely in the ballpark on the dating. Possibly even a decade or two earlier.
Hi Doug, I was hoping I would hear from you. What do you think about the origin of the lock? Its looks so similar to your Attached Thumbnail, but without a Detector in your earlier prison lock posting, even though mine is a self contained lock and you thumbnail was for a safe door. I firmly believe it is a Herring box. Where can I get copy of 1866 Catalog? I have seen a gillion strongboxes on ebay and other sites and not one has top latch like mine. I have been told the brass key is unique. Also key hole is on front. Been told screws I just need to sit down and pick your brain!.
Many more question. Can't get program and computer and me on same page.
Will wait hopeful for your reply.
Strongbox lock identification Herring or Chubb
Doug please forgive me for cutting out on you last night. I would complete my reply and hit send, well screen told me that I was not connected to wi-fi. Lost most all of reply several times and eventually wi-fi.
Back to box. What do you think about "dots" on screws and on lock cover and bracket attaching lock to front of box? Been told this might mean handmade or at least lathe cut screws. (a dating point) I have some good pictures of screws showing uneven angle and thread cut and how slot in top of screw was cut sometimes off center by hacksaw. Threads aren't sharp.
Have been told that key might be distinct to certain maker.
Under side of box shows signs on rusting but no threat to integrity of box. Name of original owner (?) can still be made out. Box on loan to climate control environment. Never coming home.
Original owner raised less than 80 miles from you. At one time he passed within 10 miles of my home
1 Attachment(s)
Strongbox lock identification Herring or Chubb
Doug, I thank you for your thoughts. I have little to make me think it was in the early part of the 1800's other than the lock design and the very rough cut screws.
Assuming I am correct in the owner of the box whose name is painted on the bottom in script and the campaigns of Shiloh and Corinth painted thereon, he had the box for sure at the time of his death at Atlanta in 1864.
Honestly, I'm grabbing for straws. I had competed my 17 year off and on attempt to learn all I could about this box and its supposed owner and had written my personal account of what I had learned, when I came across the Antique-Locks.com site. It is a phenomenal collection of knowledge. You know we never give up on our hopes and dreams.
I still believe it could be a Herring box just based on looks. Not a very sound basis, I agree, but all I had.
I would like for you to see the screws that attached the lock to the front of the strongbox. if this helps my case let me know. See attachment.
Now!! I hope shortly plan to post a picture of a jail cell that has been my side yard for the past 20 years. I know more about it. It was made by Diebold in Cleveland prior to 1890 with steel made in Pittsburg. It has four massive lever locks. Hope you will take a look at it.
