Mystery mini safe

**we11ington** · 17-10-16, 12:07 PM

This wee thing is only around 18" tall. Its a "Banded" design and at some time had a brass plate ( long gone) with the key way in the centre. When the key is turned you will see the keyay becomes obscured as the "tails/ tang" of the levers draw across the key blade area. I would appreciate any help with the lock type as I do not think its a standard lever mechanism . Possibly a detainer type.
clear

**Huw Eastwood** · 17-10-16, 12:51 PM

Sounds interesting, here's how to upload pictures
http://www.antique-locks.com/showthr...-to-your-posts

**we11ington** · 17-10-16, 01:22 PM

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Originally Posted by we11ington

This wee thing is only around 18" tall. Its a "Banded" design and at some time had a brass plate ( long gone) with the key way in the centre. When the key is turned you will see the keyway becomes obscured as the "tails/ tang" of the levers draw across the key blade area. I would appreciate any help with the lock type as I do not think its a standard lever mechanism . Possibly a detainer type.
clear

**Chubby** · 17-10-16, 03:50 PM

The carriages look more modern than I would expect on a banded design. Does anybody agree? In size and design it looks like an old one we used to use to store vehicle work tickets a very long time ago.

Can you remove the lock so we can see the inside of it please? My initial reaction when I read your description was that it might simply be a barrel and curtain or some variation on that theme.

No reason why it couldn't be a detainer lock but that would beg the question why?

A name plate with a keyway incorporated is fairly unusual but not extremely rare. I wonder if it was just pragmatism in view of the lack of space on such a small door.

**we11ington** · 20-10-16, 08:13 PM

If so what special enough to patent about the Bates lock?

**we11ington** · 23-10-16, 07:01 PM

Mystery solved, It is Indeed a Joseph Bates and Sons model. The lock is smaller than the ones seen elsewhere on here... IF anyone here has a plate to fit this we would like to retore it. Dennis is making keys and stripping the old hemmerite from the outside.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b2oeWWet8c

**ratlock** · 05-11-16, 11:24 PM

I thought Id post some pictures of the lock in the safe. Ive replaced the broken/missing springs on 3 of the levers. The bolt stump had a litttle bit or damage to it, and caused lever 1 to drop. Thats now had a little repair done.
The door is away for a repair, and I will finish cutting the key next week.
After that its cosmetic work.
Will post a few pics as It goes along.