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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
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    7
    Country: United States

    Default where is this from?

    Has anyone seen a trunk/chest lock like this? This is a reproduction, but I have recently seen an original that dates from 1600. It has the typical "crab" lock mechanism but enclosed in an iron case. Any idea of where it was made or if there are others like it?
    Peter
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails jamestown lock exterior.JPG   jamestown lock repro.JPG  

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Bournemouth, UK
    Posts
    470
    Country: UK

    Default

    Do you have a picture or a link of the one you’ve seen?

    This is the one in our collection although we have never been able to establish its provenance.

    Click image for larger version. 

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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Edinburgh
    Posts
    259
    Country: UK

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Brian Morland View Post
    Do you have a picture or a link of the one you’ve seen?

    This is the one in our collection although we have never been able to establish its provenance.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	claw lock01.jpg 
Views:	68 
Size:	618.6 KB 
ID:	8454

    Brian, that looks to me from the picture like cast iron?? Is it really
    ? If so, suggests 18C?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Edinburgh
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    259
    Country: UK

    Default

    MOXON, Joseph: Mechanick exercises, or, the doctrine of handy-works.

    This was written, printed and published by Joseph Moxon between 1683 & 1685 and reprinted in 1703 (and countless times since). From memory, it was originally in 2 volumes, often combined in later printings. It went through several editions early on, 3e being most commonly reprinted. There are numerous modern editions now available, worth looking at for the numerous engraved diagrams. Facsimile copies are, however, somewhat difficult to read.
    Breaking away from Guild restrictions, Moxon (1627-1691) wrote of what he knew from his experiences as a practitioner of skilled trades. A mathematician, writer, printer, publisher and maker of maps, globes and scientific instruments, Joseph Moxon was also the first tradesman to be awarded membership in the Royal Society.

    Afaik, the first mention of steel in a book was by the author we know as Georgius Agricola. He published his book De Re Metallica in 1556. The title means “on metallurgy”. The work covers the mining industry and everything related to it and ranks as one of the great scientific works of the Renaissance. See it online here:
    http://farlang.com/books/agricola-ho...e-re-metallica

    Steel had been made and used from near a millennum earlier. It was made in [Iraq], and [east Africa], and later by the Romans. However, it was mostly made accidentally, and the process was inconsistent and poorly understood. Early steel occurred from work-hardening. By mediæval times, blacksmiths were making steel and hardening it by quenching, keeping the process a carefully guarded secret. Supply was limited, because steel was expensive of time, effort, and fuel. Though military customers would pay the cost, for most tools, just a steel edge was forge-welded to the wrought iron tool. Springs for locks, clocks, and guns, were all an expensive problem. Which is why many common locks used wrought iron [Scotch] springs.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Frankfurt Main
    Posts
    705
    Country: Germany

    Default

    Have you ever tried contacting the curators from the Hans Shell collection or the ones from the lock museum in Velbert?
    They may know more about it.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Posts
    7
    Country: United States

    Default

    Thanks for the suggestions. Being new to this group, I'm not familiar with the various museums that might have material pertaining to these locks. Do you have any specific contact information?
    I'll try to post a photo of the original, though it is an excavated piece and in very poor condition.
    Peter

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    188
    Country: Canada

    Default

    Yes, I have an original hand made one similar to this but with a triangular taper.
    Very large and was used fior a trunk.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Germany
    Posts
    142
    Country: Germany

    Default

    i am not a lockcollector,
    the attached lock is the only i have got,
    it works similar to yours
    late 18.th century, ca. 1780
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails 6915.jpg  

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    188
    Country: Canada

    Default

    Gerry this is a nice lock with the key too.
    Are the Case Wards taken out ?
    Many times I find that, someone in times long gone,removes the Case Wards so that mant keys will operate the mechanisn.
    It looks like you have an original key?

    Brian..................

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Cleveland, Ohio USA
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    1,433
    Country: United States

    Default

    Peter, can't help you with specifics on your lock, but from what I've seen the basic mechanism style saw widespread use. And generally speaking, an open case lock often indicates a mortised mounting while a full case, surface mounting. Certainly not a hard and fast rule, but that may be the only reason for the difference in the locks your seeing. Doug

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