Welcome to our world exploring the Historical, Political and Technological aspects of Locks, Keys and Safes

Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Posts
    9
    Country: UK

    Default Help with mystery z key locking gizmo identification.

    Hello folks, just joined up here to see if anyone can shed any light on one of the items I have recently added to my collection of "tools and old tat".

    This is the item and it has a keyhole in the shape of a "Z" but alas no key.
    The curved arm is made really well from one section of metal wrapped around the pivot point then getting thinner,ending inside the lock as part of the latch.
    From the look of it, myself and others who have seen this, say possibly leg or arm restraint but trying to find a reference online has yet eluded me :?:

    Any idea's ?
    Andy

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1765_zps0c01a73b-1.jpg 
Views:	39 
Size:	47.1 KB 
ID:	12641 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1752_zps5cbb0b76-1.jpg 
Views:	34 
Size:	46.2 KB 
ID:	12638 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1759_zpsc1816987-1.jpg 
Views:	39 
Size:	47.7 KB 
ID:	12639 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1760_zps8a2e2c57-1.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	46.2 KB 
ID:	12640 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1746_zps8571a12e-1.jpg 
Views:	39 
Size:	63.3 KB 
ID:	12637

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Posts
    9
    Country: UK

    Default

    Any clues?
    Cheers
    Andy

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Seattle WA
    Posts
    1,327
    Country: United States

    Default

    I would think it is a gate lock. It would lock around the gate post.

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

    Default spare wheel lock?

    I suggest this is a spare wheel lock, French (or possibly German?), first half of 20C up to c. early 1930's.
    Try it on a vintage/veteran car forum.

    The roads were still littered with horseshoe nails, motor car tyres were narrow, tubed not tubeless, and on wire wheels. Little possibility of a 'slow puncture' - instead, an immediate need for a spare wheel. Most cars carried one, many posh touring cars carried more. On the front wheel arch/running board, or on the back, they were easily removed by another motorist in need. To stop this, a wheel lock locked around the tyre, making it unusable.
    A more common US version has the end around the tire tread formed to a point, to give an even more bumpy ride(!) and leave an easily followed trail of damaged road surface, leading to the thief's car.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Edinburgh
    Posts
    259
    Country: UK

    Default

    PS
    My compliments on supplying such clear photos, with a scale.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Cleveland, Ohio USA
    Posts
    1,433
    Country: United States

    Default

    No clue as to it's use but it's key shape as well as it certainly looks blacksmith made, I doubt it would be from the 1900's. Doug

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Posts
    9
    Country: UK

    Default

    Thanks for the input folks.
    Liking the sound of the wheel lock but as Doug says it is a bit rustic......
    Tried finding info on the net about wheel locks for vintage vehicles but no joy yet, got a link anyone?
    Cheers
    Andy

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Seattle WA
    Posts
    1,327
    Country: United States

    Default

    Mail bag lock or Clip maybe.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Posts
    9
    Country: UK

    Default

    Yes Dean, I have had a look into the mail bag area but after pages of images I have unfortunately seen nothing......

    It will soon be time to take the show on the road so hopefully one day someone will know.

    Andy

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •