Hobbs Parautoptic lock

[chubbbramah]

There does seem to be a thread devoted to this lock, so here goes.
These are a few pictures of a lock given by the company to the Royal Museum of Scotland, so apparently a fairly early, however no S/N appears in the photographs. When the Lock Collectors' visit saw it in 1997, it was u/s. Before the aghast Curator looking on, two locksmiths soon had it in pieces, and re-assembled it in full working order. They reassured the Curator 'We're locksmiths — this is what we do; normally, people pay us to do this.'

[oldlock]

Thanks for posting those details. I note there is a date stamped on the lockcase. I have emailed the museum to see if someone could look at it and see exactly what date that is. I was there but cannot remember whether that lock was the Day & Newell design or had the Hart improvements. Anyone recall ?

I'm going to try and build a bit of a list of known locks here. Anyone with knowledge please jump in !

I think locks numbered in the 500's were all Day & Newell design, and the 600's all had the anti pressure - anyone know different ?

[oldlock]

Here is a lock I used to own. I think it was number 608, dated 1863. 6 lever example with anti pressure. Last known in a UK private collection. Current location unknown.

[oldlock]

Another known lock, dated 2/65. S/N 630. 6 lever with anti pressure.

Ex Keith Lavine collection. Now in the lock museum, Terryville, US. Picture courtesy Mr Hennessy.

[oldlock]

This is my example. Dated 10/72. Lock 666. Originally removed from a most unusual safe with 2 doors in a bank in Altrincham. 6 lever. Anti pressure. Original detachable bit key.

[oldlock]

Ex Peter Phillips collection. Known location in private UK collection. Awaiting details of number and date. Assumed to be with anti pressure.

[oldlock]

Ex Peter Phillips collection. Number 511. Undated as far as I can see. Day & Newell design, maybe even imported from the US and stamped. Last known private UK collection. I'll let the owner comment to add further details ...

[oldlock]

Lock 667, Dated 10/72. Pair to my lock and removed from the same safe. Now in known private collection UK. 6 lever. Anti pressure.

[oldlock]

15 Lever Day & Newell exhibition lock. Science museum London.

[oldlock]

Lock 546. No date stamp. Day & Newell design. Not known whether imported or London made.

Known location in private US collection.