Gary Stephenson do you have a close up picture of the dial and possibly the wheelpack or lock stripped down?
David Hovey Gary, That’s all I have. I thought it interesting because of the unique front to back travel of the lock bolt. I only know of one other lock that incorperates that function and it’s The Marvin Imperial. It’s a rear drive lock so there is no wheel pack.
Gary Stephenson Someone thought it had a bit of a Macneale & urban look about it. but I thought they had lettered dials normally
Gary Stephenson When I mentioned wheelpack, I didn’t mean a curb and wheelpack like are common for you, even though parts are individual, I still call the wheels a wheelpack
David Hovey This shows a good example of the Imperial. DH https://www.antique-locks.com/showthread.php/3557-combination-safe-lock?highlight=Marvin+Imperial
David Hovey I had seen this video years ago. Someone pointed this out. Sure looks a lot like this design. DH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIUmvMHMwD8
Doug MacQueen This is an interesting one. I know I dont have all the comb lock patents from the 1800’s but I can pretty be sure that lock was not original to that safe. The lock is typical of something you might see after the Civil War 1865 where the safe is 1840’s or 50′ s at the latest. Although there were quite a few small companies that made combs for a period, I think that might have been something from George Damon. Although not the same the lever fence is a bit like those seen in some Damon locks. Note that the wheel includes what appears to be a movable fly. Go figure I just noticed the L.H. Miller video by Harry
Doug MacQueen Did a more thorough search and found that safe is the same as one found in an ad for E.F.Miller &Son Boston. But the door on that safe was open so who knows what lock would be on it. Not surprising as I always assumed Luke was the son. I also found that lock in the Harry Miller collection but does not appear to have been patented.
Doug MacQueen Yes and now I see that the son was EF Miller Jr. However Luke could be another son. His 1858 patent lock has him listed as from Providence. Also interesting that the safe is very much like the EF Miller ad, especially with the forward facing wheels. Luke Miller had several patents listed in the U.S Patent Office Index. His 1858 lock was nothing like the comb lock shown. Nor like any later patent locks from the 1860’s.
