Well I suppose that for most collectors of patent locks, or locks that explore the principles of locking, the Barron is where it all starts. It was patented in 1774 by Robert Barron. It’s an interesting lock in that it’s believed to be the first to explore the double acting principle, certainly the first to be patented.
Most collectors like to have an example in their collection, and preferably one where the principle can be seen, such as in a rim lock or cabinet lock. One of the problems for collectors is the provenance. Once the patent had expired the principle was made by all and sundry who simply marked the locks, Barron’s patent VR, or similar, the practice was very common in Victorian times making it very difficult to determine who the actual maker was, and could be the subject of a paper in its own right.
Saijinte, from the look of your lock, its construction, style etc. I would say that it’s probably late Victorian and not made by Barron of The Strand, but still a very nice lock in a collection.
