Restell's Patent cabinet lock

Huw Eastwood

This is one I’ve never been able to find out much about- very average construction with a barrel and curtain and a comb spring for the 2 levers. Not sure where Restell’s Patent comes into it as it has no outstanding features or noticeable differences from countless other locks of similar design. It is made to a reasonable finish though- the stump is nicely polished and a very good fit through the gatings.

Adrian Weber

Needs some oiling and cleaning, nice lock though.

tbstreet

The chief innovation of Thomas Restell’s British patent 13,852/51 of 8 December 1851 was the disc seen here, added as an impediment to picking the lock. It is not very impressive in such a simple lock, but it was used in much more complex ones. (Also, there may be a bit lost here to wear and tear.) The Encyclopaedia Britannica, until at least 1860, in a brief sub-article on Restell’s lock under “LOCKS,” said “it is an improvement upon any of the locks made before 1851.” Restell made quite a bit of money off the patent because it was cheap and it worked.

Might I know the exact marking, as it is illegible in the appended image?

NB I am not a lock fan, but a Restell NUT.

Huw Eastwood

Thanks tbstreet, I’ll dig it out and see if there are any other markings.

The disc visible on this one is simply the flange of the barrel and curtain. Restell did as you say, make more advanced versions, but on this example it is just a basic barrel and curtain which I’m pretty sure other makers were already featuring in their locks around that time, so whether he was first or not seems doubtful on the basic principle. I’ll dig it out and see what it says but I think from memory it is just ’Restell’s Patent’.

Huw Eastwood

Good job I checked, it also says ‘universal’ under the Restell’s Patent!

tbstreet

Thanks for your response, MaxV!

Restell made an awfull lot of money off the patent fror that disc for him not to have originated it. He also sent the comprtition into a frenzy of copying because it was so cheap and sold so well.

The lock illustrated in this thread is marked “RESTELL’S PATENT” in two upward arched lines, with a brand name under them in a single downward arched line. It is the brand name in which I am interested.

NB Would you like to see the contemporary Britannica article on it?

tbstreet

Thanks for that third line!

The 1857 Britannica article says of Restell’s patented lock,“the only peculiarity of it is the addition of a disc at the bottom of the barrel in the same plane as the bolt.” The bolt can only pass when a cut in the disc is directly under a tooth in the bolt. At all other times, the disc, partly within the bolt, holds it fast and prevents any pressure on the tumbler(s). “It is an improvement over any of the locks made before 1851.”

Huw Eastwood

Thanks again for that, I’ve decided this lock rightfully deserves a bit more attention than its had, so I’ll delicately remove the rust from the steel and the worst of the tarnishing while leaving as much of the patina intact.

Unfortunetely the barrel and curtain is seriously worn in the cover, if it was any other lock I’d normally make an exact replica in this situation, but since the interest and importance of this lock is specifically about the barrel and curtain itself, I’ll leave as it is and just cut a new key for it using a nice period antique blank.

Heres a close-up of the markings on the salvage

Thanks again tbstreet

Huw Eastwood

Well an hour or so in the workshop has revealed a couple more surprises.
When I took the original photos I just removed the cover to show the locks simplicity, leaving the bolt in position because of the comb spring.

Removing the bolt for cleaning has revealed another mark in the case. Might be just a foundry mark for the casting, or a makers mark if made by someone else. Perhaps Restell’s locks were made solely by a secondary maker in a similar manner to Joseph Duce who made the balance lever locks for Parsons?

The real surprise for me is the now obvious worn groove in the top of the salvage along the line of the bolt clearly visible on the left..

This corresponds perfectly with the sliding action of a worn tailbar ie. safe bolt work. There’s been lots of previous discussions regarding lesser known and smaller Victorian safe manufacturers using locks on their safes from the leading manufacturers like Chubb and Hobb’s.

Ive encountered many in the past, but I’d say without any doubt, going from memory alone that a 4-lever lock with barrel and curtain was the minimum number of levers I’d seen.

Ive also found what appear to be both original keys, although unmarked, both are nearly 2 inches between the bow and back of the bits, so considerably longer than typical cabinet keys and adequately long enough for a typical bolt-case mounted set-up typical of the period.

If this was fitted on a safe, then a 2-lever ‘safe lock’ is definitely a first for me!

tbstreet

Wow! I’m very glad my interest helped you to these deeper observations and grateful for your sharing of them!

I am quite certain that Restell’s locks were manufactured for him by others.

I have further observations to share, as well. Between your earlier remark as to the commonness of the basic lock type, the Britannica description of the Restell patent lock, and my studying of your initial images in light of those, I have concluded that:

1) This lock was not made under Restell’s patent, as there is no sign of a second disc having interacted with the bolt. The use of “RESTELL’S PATENT” on the lock is therefore mere 19th-century marketing.

2) “UNIVERSAL” is not the brand used for Restell’s patented lock – it was sold as the “English Protector.” Therefore, this lock is, indeed a mere “universal” type as you have said, the absolute bottom of the barrel for application in a safe.

Thank you so much for this discussion. I had held little hope of such a response to my inquiry.

tbstreet

It has occurred to me that the choice of lock here might have been determined by limitations of space, rather than cost per se.

tbstreet

As perhaps if the safe door proper were thin and faced with a disguise, say ornate oak…

Huw Eastwood

Yes I think you’re spot on with the ‘mere 19th century marketing’ tbstreet. It’s obvious lack of any additional features is what aroused my curiosity and suspicions originally, as like you say it hasn’t got the interaction between the curtain and the bolt.
I can usually spot post patent copies and fakes from 1000 yards, (well, make that 12 inches!), and especially the more common ones like Bramah. Have to admit this one had me stumped, as it’s the only lock I’ve ever encountered marked Restell’s, and haven’t seen anything else for reference or comparison. Like you said I also agree it’s just another copy with the Restell’s mark on it. Nice lock and something a bit different, but not the pedigree I wish it was!

Thanks again for all your time and input, I’ve enjoyed the discussion as well- perhaps one day I’ll come across a full 6 or 8 lever Restell with the full monty on the curtain and bolt…

dabramaitys

I am attempting to determine the manufacture date (approximate) for a Restell lock on an antique wooden wine cellarette. the markings on the lock shown in this thread are similar, but mine says Restell patent prize not Restell patent universal. Any information regarding this lock, its maker or an estimate on when it was made would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Huw Eastwood

Very nice! That’s the first example of a Restell’s Box lock I’ve seen.
The member tbstreet pointed out that his patent locks were sold as the English Protector, and yours also looks to have quite a few levers in it from what little can be seen through the apertures in the salvage.

Very interesting lock, hopefully tbstreet will see this as they seem to be pretty rare and this might just make his day!

dabramaitys

Max,

Thank you for the fast reply. At first I thought this might be a lock made by Alfred Charles Hobbs based on the lion and unicorn hallmark shown on the far right and the “Protector” designation. I can find almost no information online regarding antique Restell locks. I am curious to know if this is American or English and also when it may have been produced. My guess is around 1850.
Also I have no key. Is there any chance of replacing the missing key?

Again, thank you for taking the time to reply and comment.

Doug MacQueen

Regarding the use of a barrel and curtain, I just made a quick scan through the English lock patents granted prior and after the 1851 Lock Controversy. I found nothing notable during the 1840’s, but several came in during 1851 including Robt. Newell # 13,595 April 15, 1851, for “a revolving circular curtain”, Parnell #13,806 Nov 6, 1851, for “a revolving cap”, Sinclair #13,807 Nov 13, 1851, for “ the application of revolving rings , curtains or guards”, Restell #13,852 Dec 8, 1851, for “a cylindrical curtain or guard, combined with a circular plate or shield”, and Hobbs #13,985 Feb 23, 1852, for “ a movable curtain or revolving chamber”. Not having the drawings for these patents, it is difficult to determine exactly what is being described. The barrel existed long before the English patent laws, so only the curtain was a new device. Restell may have been the only one combining the two ideas as one part, and if true, that could explain his making money from his patent claims. I don’t think his other claim, noted in the Britannica, of having a lower disc directly blocking the bolt, became popular enough to make any serious money, based on my limited experience with older English key locks.

Huw Eastwood

I can’t believe this has slipped through our nets unnoticed- lock No: 26 on the legendary Aubin Trophy, built for the 1851 Great Exhibition by the man himself, Charles Aubin, apparently is his own lock from 1830 which includes a revolving curtain to shut off the keyhole when the key is turned..