CHUBB padlock information on markings

[macs_07]

Hi all,
can anyone help with the meanings behind the markings on these little CHUBB padlocks.
Obviously they are used officially - possibly mail bags or satchels?????

Interesting that they come in both pipe & post and pin keys but also that the pipe & post model doesn't have a keyway drop.

40mm wide X 62.75mm high X 16.20mm thick and with a 6.20mm diameter shackle.
The numbers after the MWP are probably a serial numbers.

What does MWP stand for??
BILK125 - ??
29G/41999 - ??
Does this padlock have a model number or other identification in the CHUBB range???

thanks

[oldlock]

MWP - Ministry of Works Padlock. I always understood them to be a general purpose govt issue padlock. Seem to crop up in govt buildings, some defence use etc.

No standard Chubb part number Ive ever seen. The other numbers being internal part numbers / contract numbers etc.

I'm sure others will no more. They are nicely made locks.

[Brian Morland]

This a mock up WHS (Bill Stanton) made in the 60's when he was with Chubb R&D; the Ministry insisted on a anti-pressure device be added once they learned that the lock could be compromised. The design was successful and adopted. They were typically used on mail/diplomat bags. This is artefact number: 595 should anyone wish to see it when visiting the Heritage Rooms.

[Huw Eastwood]

We saw quite a few in the early days used on the diplomat dispatch bags but also used by MoD in applications where they'd use Ava 1k42's. Proper general all rounders-we also saw a few rare all brass, used in explosives magazines where the anti-spark was mandatory.

[Huw Eastwood]

This a mock up WHS (Bill Stanton) made in the 60's when he was with Chubb R&D; the Ministry insisted on a anti-pressure device be added once they learned that the lock could be compromised. The design was successful and adopted. They were typically used on mail/diplomat bags. This is artefact number: 595 should anyone wish to see it when visiting the Heritage Rooms.

Amazing how often Bill Stanton's name pops up- a true legend in the industry. Wasn't he the only person ever entrusted with disassembling and refurbishing the Aubin Trophy in the Late 1960s or early 70s ?

[Brian Morland]

Bill was also responsible for the AVA patent when Chubb bought the company, the small AVA padlock gradualy replaced the anti-pressure padlock for diplomatic mail bags.

Regarding the Aubin trophy WHS was also a keen photographer and took a series of pictures of the individual locks, both assembled and disassembled, as he worked on it. This picture shows one of the tiers.



These pictures are in the Heritage Rooms Archive. We also have the WHS dairys and much other material and would be a good project for a HoLRSG focus Group.

[Brian Morland]

Today the Aubin Trophy is housed in its own security cabinet, (shown in the sidebar - top right of this page), its a bit tired mechnicaly but still works, maybe a focus group if formed might decide on the best way forward.

[macs_07]

MWP - Ministry of Works Padlock. I always understood them to be a general purpose govt issue padlock. Seem to crop up in govt buildings, some defence use etc.

No standard Chubb part number Ive ever seen. The other numbers being internal part numbers / contract numbers etc.

I'm sure others will no more. They are nicely made locks.

Thanks, oldlock, they are a very tactile and interesting little padlock.
Interesting that they would have a keyway drop on one but not the other. Very nicely made and been around for quite some time going by the dates on the back of them.

[macs_07]

This a mock up WHS (Bill Stanton) made in the 60's when he was with Chubb R&D; the Ministry insisted on a anti-pressure device be added once they learned that the lock could be compromised. The design was successful and adopted. They were typically used on mail/diplomat bags. This is artefact number: 595 should anyone wish to see it when visiting the Heritage Rooms.

Thanks, Brian, I will keep my eye out for one with the anti pressure device.

[macs_07]

We saw quite a few in the early days used on the diplomat dispatch bags but also used by MoD in applications where they'd use Ava 1k42's. Proper general all rounders-we also saw a few rare all brass, used in explosives magazines where the anti-spark was mandatory.

Thanks, Huw, yes they used the AVA padlocks here in Australia on secure bags.
Interesting that they had an all brass versions as well, I will have to keep an eye out for it as well it would be a very pretty lock.

cheers