October 31 1778. No 1200, I presume is the relevent patent although he may have patented other things on this lock and thus be a later date. I think further info on a patent this old may come via this site most likely.
You are technically right about regina…..but look at any picture of her later on in life and Rex isnt too far out.
Cheers
Tom
BARRON, Robert. This invention relates to the construction of a lock which the inventor states is “far more secure than any hitherto made.” It is described as follows:- “An improvement on the tumbler and spring by means of a stub or projection so exactly fitted to a passage or opening in the bolt as not to permit the bolt to pass unless the said projection or stub is carried exactly opposite the opening or passage in the bolt, which can only be done by its proper key. As the said projection or stub is at liberty to pass the said passage or opening in the bolt in another direction at the end of said passage or opening by placing the projection or stub on the bolt, and having the passage or opening in the tumbler or spring, the same security may be obtained. One, two, three or more of said tumblers and springs may be used in the same lock, and may be of different sizes, so that the part which comes in contact with the key and which will admit of many different forms in what is called the bit of the key.
