Spectacular Twisted Key

Doug MacQueen

This lock and key were seen at the recent Lancaster Lock show. Unfortunately I couldn’t take it it home. Doug

Adrian Weber

I can not see a picture Doug, did you forget to add it?

Doug MacQueen

Maybe this time.

Doug MacQueen

And a few more

Adrian Weber

That is a really nice lock my friend!

Why could you not take it with you? Too expensive or not for sale?

It is beautiful and I have not seen a twisted key like that before. I have seen locks like this but not with the twisted key.

Gerry

absolutely unique

i also have never seen something like this

maybe a french master piece

Paul Prescott

Stunning and expensive ! I love the custom made case for it too.

Without naming names would the owner be perhaps someone with a ‘sweet’ tooth ? (MA ?)

Doug MacQueen

No doubt. I didn’t even ask. Just happy to be able to experience the workmanship. While I am a novice when it comes to this era, I too believe it to be French and late 1700’s or so. All I can say about the owner is that he is very much into patent models. Doug

Huw Eastwood

That’s stunning!

I’d insist on handlers wearing cotton gloves if I had that in my collection!

Never seen any form of twisted key-bit like that before- amazing.

It’s really got me thinking- Overall it appears to have a bit of everything in there!

The key style and in particular the bow cries out pure Italian to me, but the intricately shaped drill-pin and pipe cry out pure French!

The style and finish of the lock case looks more typically German or Flemish, especially looking at the shape and use of the flat scrolls.

It’s got me thinking 🙁think):

Whatever it is, it’s a beauty that’s for sure!

Billy B Edwards Jr. CML

Doug MacQueen wrote
No doubt. I didn’t even ask. Just happy to be able to experience the workmanship. While I am a novice when it comes to this era, I too believe it to be French and late 1700’s or so. All I can say about the owner is that he is very much into patent models. Doug

There were two articles on this lock and key in the WCLCA’s The Antique Lock Collector. The first in the Jan-Mar issue and the second in the July-Sep 2013 issue.
BBE.

[unknown]

Suzzie Belcher

How extra-ordinary … on first view of the key, it gave me a sense of imbalance. So unexpected!
It would be so nice to read more on the lock and the maker.
Very good photos too. 🙂

Gerry

where we can read this articles?

Billy B Edwards Jr. CML

Gerry wrote
where we can read this articles?

WCLCA = West Coast Lock Collectors Association. They typically have back issues of the publications aavailable but I’m not sure if you must be a member or not. You can find WCLCA at the link.
BBE.

http://www.wclca.org/

[unknown]

MissouriMan27

I would love to see the mechanism inside that lock. Also, I bet that lock would fetch a few thousand dollars, easily. I love it.

Billy B Edwards Jr. CML

MissouriMan27 wrote
I would love to see the mechanism inside that lock. Also, I bet that lock would fetch a few thousand dollars, easily. I love it.

Masterpiece locks like that sell for tens of thousands these days. I’ve a friend who bought a much simpler mechanism lock 15 years ago for $28,000.00 and then paid $12,000.00 for a key.
BBE.

[unknown]

MissouriMan27

BBE wrote
Masterpiece locks like that sell for tens of thousands these days. I’ve a friend who bought a much simpler mechanism lock 15 years ago for $28,000.00 and then paid $12,000.00 for a key.
BBE.

Wow… thats a lot money… I could never spend that much on a lock or key.

[unknown]

NigelKTolley

BBE wrote
Masterpiece locks like that sell for tens of thousands these days. I’ve a friend who bought a much simpler mechanism lock 15 years ago for $28,000.00 and then paid $12,000.00 for a key.
BBE.

Why aren’t my customers that rich? Send him my way if he wants a copy cut, OK?

[unknown]