Chatwoods 5 spindle letter combination lock

Brian Morland MLA Hon

This is the example in the collection

Chatwood’s Dextuple patent or 5 spindle letter lock, as it became known, from a 4″ thick door. Normally used in conjunction with one or two 12 lever locks. The letter lock, in this instance, controlled a hardened steel shutter that prevented any key, including the legitimate one, from entering the key-way until the correct combination had been set and the central knob rotated, thereby revolving the key-way into alignment. This must be the ultimate escutcheon lock!

Serial number 160079, c.1920. Body diameter: 165mm. Body depth: 95mm, plus spindle projection to suit a 4″ door.

[LEFT]More pictures at: www.historyoflocks.com [/LEFT]

Paul Prescott

Here’s some pictures of the one I used to own. I should never have parted with it, but thats true of lots of stuff that I used to own :cry: :wink: :rolleyes:

Brian Morland MLA Hon

another view of lock number: 160079…

Tom Gordon

I believe that the 5 spindle letter lock as above was known by Chatwood as a “best round letter lock”.
The dextuple was a 4 spindle lock where the centre spindle of the similar 5 spindle lock was replaced with a keyhole and of course a lock.
I think I have one or two best round letter locks spare if you have anything good to swap Paul.
Cheers
Tom

Paul Prescott

Tom, while I have some photos of the dextuple they are not going to be as good as any you may have, could you post some further information on it ?

Alas I fear I have little that would be good enough to trade for a 5 spindle and certainly nothing good enough in Chatwood !

Dean Nickel

I also have nothing that might be worth what one of those in trade. US locks don’t really have that “COOL” rating that this type of lock has. Love to look at that inside though! Have any more pics?8-)