Chubb Serial Number Dates

[Daniel John]

Thanks for these dates Paul.

I wrote a reply earlier, but seems it's disappeared into the ether. Good to have some pretty close manufacture dates
Brian has also said he'll provide whatever the Museum holds.

I'd not realized lock 1169015 falls in the 19th century. It's a few decades older than I thought. A little unusual to me as it has a tiny keyway. I've not come across many like that.

Re lock 1891, it appears rather old. You mentioned it's the 1824 Patent. Am I right that that was Chubb's second patent, and otherwise known as the 'Improved Patent'?

The key operated the lock, and resets the Detector.


Any idea what the U stamped on the plaque indicates?

Thanks again

[Paul Prescott]

The way that padlock is numbered, plus the type of key suggests part of a MK system to me, or large set of locks specially keyed.

Yes, the 1824 was the improved patent and your lock is exactly what I would expect for that patent. Early numbering is fickle and can't always be relied on, hence I would want to check the actual books. I've had early locks checked before and the number and lock description did'nt match.

No information I have ever seen to suggest what the U means.

[Daniel John]

I see, that would make sense. The only others I've found with such keyway profile are a set of 3 on eBay. They're huge, lovely chubbs', look like 'specials' to me. I expect it'd be darn hard to pick such locks given that tiny keyway?

On the subject of picking, I recently acquired a very big Chubb. Interestingly, not of the close shackle type, which the 6" ones tend to be. Issue is, it's locked. Takes pipe key, has curtain and, I'm sure, Detector. I'd like to seek your advice on picking this lock. I've fabricated a blank. I'd like to follow your method of picking to the halfway position, then measuring lever heights.

But how to pick??

Oh, and re the Guild hall lock books, it's my understanding that, for a fee, Archive staff will look up numbers in those detailed records? What Brian has will suffice for now, but, in time, I'll research further.

[Paul Prescott]

Are you coming to Adelaide Daniel ?

[Daniel John]

Sadly, no. Will be a very interesting event though, I'm sure.