Another safe lock ID, which is possibly a Tann

[Cepasaccus]

Got this from ebay. Was advertised as Tann. From my little knowledge about these locks I think the style would fit Tann. There is a T on the back, no complete serial and no name. Any idea? Who? What? When?

Thanks

[Gary Stephenson]

yes, nice example of a Tann guarded lever lock, I have seen them with 359 and 459 stamped on them, but don't know if that signifies anything.

[Gary Stephenson]

correct myself, 359 was on the smaller version of the lock without the big pivot thing above the levers, and 446 was on the larger version with the pivot thing

[Cepasaccus]

The 22 on mine could be the last two digits of the serial. AFAIR there is a short number on the back, but I can't look right now.

[safeman]

[QUOTE=Cepasaccus;33861]Got this from ebay. Was advertised as Tann. From my little knowledge about these locks I think the style would fit Tann. There is a T on the back, no complete serial and no name. Any idea? Who? What? When?

Thanks

Somewhat complicated.

The original locks for Edward Tann were made by Walters. Can't tell when they began 'in-house'. I first came across one in the Tann Museum on a List 3. (horizontal keyway - nozzle) Only recently as I found my legs giving way I picked up a 4S lock on Ebay and just had to make a key for it. Huw very kindly supplied me with a couple of blanks (Milner bows) and I worked between a stool and vice. I still had my old key saw from Aldridges. Didn't fall and didn't need a second blank - well my first key was cut (Turner/Milner) in 1948.
Hopefully the attached photos will answer your questions.
The lock was developed and enlarged to suit high security Strong Room doors.

[safeman]

[QUOTE=safeman;33867]

Got this from ebay. Was advertised as Tann. From my little knowledge about these locks I think the style would fit Tann. There is a T on the back, no complete serial and no name. Any idea? Who? What? When?

Thanks

Somewhat complicated.

The original locks for Edward Tann were made by Walters. Can't tell when they began 'in-house'. I first came across one in the Tann Museum on a List 3. (horizontal keyway - nozzle) Only recently as I found my legs giving way I picked up a 4S lock on Ebay and just had to make a key for it. Huw very kindly supplied me with a couple of blanks (Milner bows) and I worked between a stool and vice. I still had my old key saw from Aldridges. Didn't fall and didn't need a second blank - well my first key was cut (Turner/Milner) in 1948.
Hopefully the attached photos will answer your questions.
The lock was developed and enlarged to suit high security Strong Room doors.

[Cepasaccus]

Awesome! Thank you, John, for your wealth of information. Do you have an estimate when these locks were made? My feeling is the end of the 19th century due to the powder proof lack of space.

[safeman]

[QUOTE=Cepasaccus;33869]Awesome! Thank you, John, for your wealth of information. Do you have an estimate when these locks were made? My feeling is the end of the 19th century due to the powder proof lack of space.


Can't find anything except an internal letter from John Tann to the Works Manager in 1944 which reads " we should make all our own locks - pressed steel cases / stamped levers / machine made parts and keys in Stainless Steel or Stainless Iron." He suggests two qualities only - one for Fire and one for Burglary Resistant.

There was another which I can't find saying " we must find another supplier of key blanks as Walters are much too expensive".

Not much help but something may turn up. Thank you for your kind remarks.

[Cepasaccus]

In case it is of any relevance ... On the back is a small T and in two corners huge 5 and 6.