Hobbs Parautoptic lock

Richard Phillips

There does seem to be a thread devoted to this lock, so here goes.
These are a few pictures of a lock given by the company to the Royal Museum of Scotland, so apparently a fairly early, however no S/N appears in the photographs. When the Lock Collectors’ visit saw it in 1997, it was u/s. Before the aghast Curator looking on, two locksmiths soon had it in pieces, and re-assembled it in full working order. They reassured the Curator ’We’re locksmiths — this is what we do; normally, people pay us to do this.'

Paul Prescott

Thanks for posting those details. I note there is a date stamped on the lockcase. I have emailed the museum to see if someone could look at it and see exactly what date that is. I was there but cannot remember whether that lock was the Day & Newell design or had the Hart improvements. Anyone recall ?

I’m going to try and build a bit of a list of known locks here. Anyone with knowledge please jump in !

I think locks numbered in the 500’s were all Day & Newell design, and the 600’s all had the anti pressure - anyone know different ?

Paul Prescott

Here is a lock I used to own. I think it was number 608, dated 1863. 6 lever example with anti pressure. Last known in a UK private collection. Current location unknown.

Paul Prescott

Another known lock, dated 2/65. S/N 630. 6 lever with anti pressure.

Ex Keith Lavine collection. Now in the lock museum, Terryville, US. Picture courtesy Mr Hennessy.

Paul Prescott

This is my example. Dated 10/72. Lock 666. Originally removed from a most unusual safe with 2 doors in a bank in Altrincham. 6 lever. Anti pressure. Original detachable bit key.

Paul Prescott

Ex Peter Phillips collection. Known location in private UK collection. Awaiting details of number and date. Assumed to be with anti pressure.

Paul Prescott

Ex Peter Phillips collection. Number 511. Undated as far as I can see. Day & Newell design, maybe even imported from the US and stamped. Last known private UK collection. I’ll let the owner comment to add further details …

Paul Prescott

Lock 667, Dated 10/72. Pair to my lock and removed from the same safe. Now in known private collection UK. 6 lever. Anti pressure.

Paul Prescott

15 Lever Day & Newell exhibition lock. Science museum London.

Paul Prescott

Lock 546. No date stamp. Day & Newell design. Not known whether imported or London made.

Known location in private US collection.

Paul Prescott

Lock 600. Dated 1863. Believed first example with anti pressure. Heritage collection.

Paul Prescott

Here’s two more locks that came from two different doors in the Sheffield area. Both buildings were owned by the same owner.

10/67 643 and 11/64 628

Both in a private UK collection.

Paul Prescott

Edinburgh museum lock keys

Paul Prescott

Edinburgh museum lock detector plate

Paul Prescott

Edinburgh museum lock showing exhibition cap in situ. All these pictures come courtesy of the museum.