Probable 17th English Century Box Lock

Bassoonbloke · 2013-09-18T15:22:03+00:00

Hello People, I thought that you may be interested in a large (7 inches long) early box lock that I bought a while back. It is a Ward lock of a sort, but has a quite complex set of levers to detach the lock plate. I am estimating it as 17th Century, but it may well be earlier. It is made of iron and was probably a custom made (?) lock for somebody. If anyone has seen one before or has any other ideas I would like to hear from you. Cheers, Alan.

Doug MacQueen

Hi Patent, I think I am being setup here. Since it follows the Germanic style, my guess is it was made by a German while living in Strasbourg, France. Of course you could always ship it over to me for a closer inspection. Doug

Gerry

So is the lock I am holding in the picture French or German?

this lock is a complicated german (austria, suisse) chest lock, 18th century

Syd Waterman

Hi Doug. Covering all your options then. German maker working in France. I could sent the lock over to you ,however, it will cost you a first class ticket on Virgin Atlantic!
Assuming that the lock is in fact of German origin I assume the lock in this picture is French?
Patent.

Doug MacQueen wrote
Hi Patent, I think I am being setup here. Since it follows the Germanic style, my guess is it was made by a German while living in Strasbourg, France. Of course you could always ship it over to me for a closer inspection. Doug

[unknown]

Bassoonbloke

Well,

What a fun thread this is turning out to be !!
I’m really enjoying all the comments and pictures that are turning up.
It has spurred me into having another look at my lock and trying to mock up a
key for it (maybe in wood for the minute?)

I will post some pictures as and when I get there.
Keep up the good work.
Alan.

Huw Eastwood

Are you able to post some clear up to date pictures of it Alan?
I’m sure everyone would like to see some close-ups in its current condition- it might also help throw some more light on missing parts like the canon barrel that Doug noticed is missing.

Bassoonbloke

Hi Huw,

I’ll see what I can do. Although the lock has not been touched for quite a while, I’ll
try to get some new pictures for you. I realise that the lock is missing some parts, but
nothing that cannot be replicated I suppose.
Thanks for your interest.
Alan.

Gerry

“Assuming that the lock is in fact of German origin I assume the lock in this picture is French?”

yes, this lock is typical french chest lock
a very nice piece

Syd Waterman

Thanks for your confirmation , Gerry.
Patent.

Gerry wrote
“Assuming that the lock is in fact of German origin I assume the lock in this picture is French?”

[yes, this lock is typical french chest lock
a very nice piece

[unknown]

Huw Eastwood

Bassoonbloke wrote
Hi Huw,

I’ll see what I can do. Although the lock has not been touched for quite a while, I’ll
try to get some new pictures for you. I realise that the lock is missing some parts, but
nothing that cannot be replicated I suppose.
Thanks for your interest.
Alan.

Alan please keep us updated- your “nothing that cannot be replicated” comment struck a chord with me as that is my way of thinking- we are becoming a rarer breed these days!

Its an interesting lock and its great to think that it’s in the hands of someone who isn’t afraid of doing something with it. Good luck and do keep us posted on how it goes 🙁y):

[unknown]

« Previous Page