Davis patent despatch box lock.

[oldlock]

Patent date : April 1799. This example circa 1800.

This is probably one of the most nicely made locks any collector could wish to own. Made in Windsor; Berkshire and used almost exclusively for Government dispatch boxes.



A unique feature of these locks is the engraved owners name on the cap, which is this case reads " J. King Esq. Lord Pellhams Office, White Hall "

The lock is also engraved internally with a message intended for any locksmith who may be presented with a lock for a key to be made, this lock is a small example and the engraving reads " Anyone applying for a key inform this office and you will be rewarded "



Larger locks also mentioned the amount of the reward, usually £5 (quite a sum in 1800) although a lock from the Prime Ministers office had a £50 reward. There is documentary evidence of the reward being claimed & paid in more than one case.

The action of the lock is quite unique for it's size, the key is inserted and turned 90° clockwise. The key can then be pressed in further into the lower chamber of the lock where it engages with the locking mechanism. A turn through 180° will throw the bolt and allow the key to be drawn out of the lower chamber.

It is reported that King George III was a regular visitor to George Davis's workshop & that he took great interest in him and his products which may be the reason the lock came to be used by the government of the day. The locks were however expensive to make, without offering any great degree of security which probably led to their demise. Today they are rare and highly sought after by collectors.





Here, the original and very distinctive key can be seen.