R&E Columbia/Improved Columbia lock
Looking for patent info for the Russell & Erwin "Columbia" and "Improved Columbia" cylinder locks. Does anyone have any patent numbers or other info for these locks? They appear to be from the 1880's or 90's at the latest. Other than one or two examples, pictures/info is practically non-existent on the web.
I'm interested in the internal workings of these locks. I've seen the keys on eBay from time to time; they appear to be of the push key type, but I'm assuming they are some type of lever or slider mechanism as opposed to the pin tumbler mechanism. Any info is greatly appreciated.
YALE7750
I can't find the patent either....
Thanks for the info..I didn't think to search Google Books for advertisements. Seems that the actual patent is elusive..I would really like to see the inner workings of one. From what I can gather the original Columbia lock used a totally flat push key which acts on the tumblers all at once when inserted. The improved Columbia introduced a corrugated type keyway. As far as other changes I have no idea; I've yet to obtain an example of either of these cylinders. The keys seem to be the most common item to show up. An old R&E catalog I found on the internet from the late 1890's has illustrations showing that they once had an extensive line of Columbia locks--mortise locks, deadbolts, night latches, etc. Unfortunately no mention of cylinders or keys however.
From what I can tell cylinders are not threaded, but have some type of tapered edge which is wedged into place when the set screw is tightened. It's an interesting design that must have been quite short-lived considering the scarcity of any examples.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pschiffe
Patent 399,240 is for a lock case, see link:
https://patents.google.com/patent/US399240
Charles M. Burgess, who had thirty one patents with the company (Russell & Erwin Mfg. Co.), received three major patents on sheet metal locks:
- #396,916 - January 29, 1889
- #399,239 - March 12, 1889
- #399,240 - March 12, 1889
Burgess also developed the forged steel bit key which reduced the cost of these bit keys and were stronger than those made from castings, patent #401,247 on April 9, 1889.*
*from
Locks and Lockmakers of America, Rev. 3rd Edition, (c) 1997 by the late Thomas F. Hennessy, pg. 31.
Pete Schifferli
I was thinking the same thing...
At the time Yale had the patents on pin tumbler locks & keys---so it makes sense that Russwin would have a different competing design.
If anyone has one of these locks in their collection some pictures would be greatly appreciated.
YALE7750
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pschiffe
Perhaps R&E's answer to Yale's pin tumbler cylinder of the same era that was likely still under patent at the time?
Pete Schifferli
4 Attachment(s)
R&E Columbia/Improved Columbia Lock
Found something on Columber Cylinder Lock and Blank key. Some other lock.....Timothy....