High quality flip latches and chest locks used on bespoke luggage and oak gun cases
Hello all. I’m new to this forum, but I’ve been an admirer of the craftsmanship aspect of antique locks for some time. I have a hobby (which I’m trying to turn into a full-time occupation now that I’m retired), of constructing fitted cases for musical instruments, fine bespoke firearms, sets of silverware and flatware, and almost anything else that has had or needs a closely-fitted, precision crafted oak-and-leather storage and transport case. I’ve built cases for everything from a $200,000.00custom-made shotgun, to an antique sextant that had been separated from its original case. I use only the very finest materials and finishing, which brings me to an urgent need I have. My cases have solid brass hardware. The ones that use the briefcase-type “flip locks”are no exception. Problem is, the last maker of really good luggage and briefcase hardware closed upon the death of the head and founder. It was located in Italy, and it apparently consisted of the father, one son, one son-in-law and some more relatives as the staff and workforce. Apparently, most were near retirement age, and when the “Patriarch” passed away, they simply shut the doors. Now, all that is out there is cheap, zinc die cast latches imported from China. I will not use them on my cases,as they are all junk. Since the last known source is no more, I will have to make my own. I once was a tool-and-die maker, and I have a complete metalworking shop and I have investment castings made on a regular basis, so this is no problem. My problem is patterns. I need some examples of the very highest-grade suitcase-type flip latches from the 1900 – 1950 time-frame; the type usually found only on custom made luggage and oak-and-leather shotgun cases. The following makers made them: Finnigan Ltd.; Barret & Son, F.Lansdowne, and John Pound & Company. There were other makers,but these are what I have encountered most often. They all are made of cast or forged solid brass, and the finishing was impeccable. I need some detached examples for pattern pieces, so I can make my casting patterns. I intend to disassemble them in a way they can be re-assembled (I do not destroy history!) and then to prepare some good drawings that will be of sufficient detail for me to make my casting patterns. I can also use broken and partially disassembled examples.Does anyone out there have any they would be willing to part with? I’ll pay top prices as I really need these. I’ll upload some photos later. Sincerely, Campchair
High Quality flip latches.
Dean, I had a (too) lengthly reply as a "draft", but I hit the wrong button, and it vanished. Thanks very much for the patent drawings suggestion, but I've persued the patent drawings route, and most I can find are for some of the high-rate stamped case latches for use on popularally luggage used in the 1920's through the present. Most of the doubleguns that had (and have) a fitted case are priced in the $150,000.00 range. In that atmosphere, only the very best is suitable; nothing else is acceptable. (Go to www.purdy.com to see what I am talking about....Yes, they cost that much, and they sell all they can make!) The type locks I need for copying purposes is the type used by this firm. They are complet custom "bespoke" makers, and I suspect they do theirs in-house. ( http://www.williams-handmade.com/index.html). I don't think they would be willing o sell me an example for me to copy. I'v re-keyed several original cases, and most of the keys I have made suggest an interior with a couple of rings aroung a center post (all have this) but I cannot get a picture in my mind on what the levers would look like, in relation to the case form. And just how the lock would secure the button that operates the flip catch is even harder. I've repaired several musical instrument cases of the timeframe (early 1900s') when most were really well made, and their flip latches generally have a cleverly-made wire spring that does the function of several solid parts. However, I have not been able to transfer these operaion principles to a design that I can make with solid steel parts. I'v contacted Cox The Saddler, (http://www.saddler.co.uk/shop.html) who is reviving some of the Presto patterns, but they are not of the level of quality and design I need. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd be very obliged. CAMPCHAIR I'll send some photos of original cases when I figure out how! Campchair