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  1. #1
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    Default Yale 101-1/2 comb lock

    The pictures posted here, and in following posts, are of the later 3 wheel key change version, where the change key used is actually a Yale paracentric pin tumbler key. I know there are some curious locksmiths as well as collectors out there who would love to open one these locks up. Hopefully the postings will satisfy the curious. Working with the lock can be difficult. Even changing the combination can present problems. These first pictures will show the changeable wheel design and how it is similar to the standard Yale hand change wheel. Like the standard wheel there is an outer and inner wheel section. Unlike the standard wheel, there is not an internal circular brass spring clip installed in the outer wheel section. This means the the outer and inner wheel sections will easily separate and mesh back together allowing for a comb change. Note there are 100 teeth on the wheels, one tooth per number.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails IMG_20161206_081407.jpg   IMG_20161206_081158.jpg  

  2. #2
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    Here is a side view of the standard and 101-1/2 wheels.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails IMG_20161206_081714.jpg   IMG_20161206_081654.jpg  

  3. #3
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    Next up are the keylocks used to change the combinations. It would be unusual to find much wear on these keys and locks, meaning it would be a rare case where the locks would need to be removed. Even loss of the keys is not a big deal for any locksmith worth his salt. Note only the last three pins are used on the extremely common Yale 8 key. What looks like dirt on the end shot of the lock is actually flake graphite used to lubricate the lock.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails IMG_20161209_081908.jpg   IMG_20161209_081930.jpg   IMG_20161209_082009.jpg  

  4. #4
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    Note the 101 has a smaller depth of tooth engagement than the standard wheel. These two pictures show the engaged and disengaged positions of the wheel which occur in changing the comb. Not much movement is required to disengage the two wheel sections.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails IMG_20161206_081933.jpg   IMG_20161206_081914.jpg  

  5. #5
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    A second function performed by the keylock is to move the catch lever into the double notches in the outer wheels. This holds the outer wheels stationary as the inner wheels are repositioned during the comb change.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails IMG_20161209_090330.jpg   IMG_20161209_090351.jpg  

  6. #6
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    Here is the back side of the wheel. The inner wheel is disengaged when the inner wheel is flush with the thin rim of the outer wheel.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails IMG_20161206_083635.jpg   IMG_20161206_083642.jpg  

  7. #7
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    I had to look up what the catch lever was called. Brake lever does sound better. The patent was filed in Jan of 1907. Diebold also patented a side change lock for one their cannonball models, meant to compete with the Ely compound door. Don't know if the Diebold ever saw production.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails IMG_20161209_103748.jpg   IMG_20161209_103659.jpg  

  8. #8
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    Default Yale 101-1/2 comb lock

    Hello Doug
    Thank for good information on your lock. Was having problem trying to find patent number for 1066629 on Google. Where did you get this patent number or I'm missing something....Timothy......

  9. #9
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    The first Ely-Norris I disassembled had a lock like yours. For the curious, here's another version of the Yale 101 1/2. It's a little different.

    I pulled this one from a cannonball that was slated to be melted down. The best part? When I opened it, it still contained the entire timelock assembly!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails DSC_8653b.jpg   DSC_8643b.jpg   DSC_8488b.jpg  

  10. #10
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    Here is an Ely Norris double dial cannonball and it is the only safe where the Yale 101-1/2 lock is used. There are other double dial cannonballs out there, but they use different locks.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails IMG_20161206_101408.jpg  

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