Made in the U.S.A

Paul Sprosen

Hi guys, I recently came across a door lock which I have not seen before in Austrlia. Any history and age would be of interest. Its sold steel with ornate carving,with brass latches.
The main base has the initials RE on it,and the key has NewBritian,ONN U.S.A Thanks.
(Im a little poor on the computer so I hope there is only one photo and not a hundred)

Paul Prescott

Maker is Russell & Erwin (I think). Some of our US members will no doubt know more about this firm.

Dean Nickel

The Lock Companies of New Britain, CT
F.T. Stanley Co.
New Britain Bank Lock Co.……
North & Stanley Co. Corbin Cabinet Lock Co.…………………
Russell & Erwin Co.
CCL Security Products………………..
.P&F Corbin Co.

If you would like more information about these companies you can order LOCKS AND LOCKMAKERS OF AMERICA - by Tom Hennessy
http://www.lockmuseum.com/member.htm

If I was to guess I would think it was either Russell and Erwin Co. or P&F Corbin Co.

Paul Sprosen

Thanks for the (Russell/Erwin) company any more info would be great.
Cheers Paul

———- Post added at 11:51 AM ———- Previous post was at 11:38 AM ———-

Thanks Halflock,would this have been made in1900–1920 era.And are they a commone item in your part of town.
Cheers Paul

Paul Prescott

There is quite a lot of information about R&E in the book Dean suggested, it might be worth seeing if the book is available through a major library. As it’s still in copyright I cannot scan and post pages from the book here.

Dean Nickel

Paul Sprosen wrote
Thanks Halflock,would this have been made in1900–1920 era.And are they a commone item in your part of town.
Cheers Paul

That lock was made no later than 1925 as lever locks were rarely made after WWI in the USA. I would guess around 1890 if I was to guess. No being 3000 miles away (Seattle, WA) does remove a bit of what types of locks are common here. Most buildings from that time are rare. Those that are have mortice locks and not surface or rim locks. Unit locks are common from that time and so are Mortice locks. I think that since the Mayor of Seattle Byron Phelps 1892-1894 and King Co Auditor 1900-1924 invented the Corbin and Russwin unit locks that became one of the common types of locks around here. He seemed to have some pull with the men of power from that time.

———- Post added at 03:56 AM ———- Previous post was at 03:53 AM ———-

After looking at that logo I would say that it is before 1905. I have several key blanks with a newer logo from 1905.

Lastly that is a Russell & Erwin Co. lock.

[unknown]

Paul Sprosen

Thanks once again guys to my Made In The U.S.A lock inquies.
Great sight.
Cheers Paul