2 Keyhole Mortise Locks

Murf

In the book, “Locks and Lockmakers of America”, on page 30 is a diagram of a Russell & Erwin “Ornate” mortise lock with 2 key holes on the same side of the lock. The keyholes are vertical - one above the other.

My question is, … what does each keyhole do? Is one keyhole for a master key? Is one keyhole used for the latch, while the other is used for the bolt? Is one of the keyholes used to change the function of the lock?

Does anyone have any information on the internal mechanism of the lock? Seems rather unique, … perhaps a patent number might help me?

I am including a picture that is similar to what I’m referring to; however, I don’t think the picture is of a Russell & Erwin.

Thanks,
Murf
🙂

Murf

I found this lock on ebay, and the seller stated the following regarding the operation of the keys:

“The larger key is for the lower latch and the smaller key is for the upper latch.” (Actually, I think the “lower latch” is the deadbolt.)

I don’t know if ALL of those style locks worked the same or not though - presumably the latch and deadbolt would have been KD.

Brian Denyer

Greetings Murf:

The top keyhole is for a “daylock” function as explained in antique Lock Catalogs. In the lock I own, the top key is of less intricate cut and has a shorter beard length. After the top key locks the outside knob from turning. During the later hours the bottom key is used to turn the deadbolt for the Nightlock function, and locks the door. The bottom key has sidewarding and more levers. 2 Stopwork buttons are used instead of the key to lockthe outer knob. They are pushed in with finger pressure.

Brian ………………………………………….

Murf

Thanks Brian!

Murf

Brian Denyer

You are welcome Murf !

I had one antique warded mortise lock that was missing the stopwork
buttons. But a relativly modern mortise pin cylinder from the early 60’s
provided the pieces to retrofit the much older warded lock case.
I suppose that the production facilities kept producing the old version
of buttons for the pin cylinders.
When I come across antique locks it helps to understand how the modern version
evolved,or insome cases stayed basicaly similar.
At demolition sites I barter with the Foreman to exchange services for antique hardware.

This is a great site to learn and share information.
Glad I could contribute.

Brian……………………………………………..