pre-industrial European door locks with keys

Lars

Hi,

I inherited about 40 antique locks from my Grandfather. He restored antique furniture and was also a collector of antiques. He emigrated from Sweden and brought these when he moved to the US in the early 1950’s. These locks range in size from 12″ tall to 2″. I would love to learn more about them and find out how much they are worth. I’ve only included pictures of two of the locks, but can take more and post if anyone would like to see them.

thanks!
Lars

Scott Klemm

In my opinion your locks date from the 17th century (1600s). Your first 2 images appear to be a chest lock and the other 2 a door lock. To see more Swedish locks go to Historicallocks.com and click on About Historical Locks. Then click on images to see the extensive collection of Raine Borg. This may be of some help to you. As for valuation, it’s hard to say. My observation is that most American collectors are interested in padlocks or high security locks.

Lars

Scott,

Thanks so much for the information. I appreciate it.

Lars

Scott Klemm

Lars, feel free to post additional pictures of your Swedish locks. Even if people don’t comment on them, I think everyone would like to see what you have. Scott

Gerry

hello,

i think this locks are later, probably 18th century.

maybe early 19th century.
i have heard in sweden old design was longer in use
than in the rest of europe.

Lars

Scott Klemm wrote
Lars, feel free to post additional pictures of your Swedish locks. Even if people don’t comment on them, I think everyone would like to see what you have. Scott

Thanks Scott, here are some more.

[unknown]

Lars

Lars wrote
Thanks Scott, here are some more.

You are right, it looks like most of them are for chests and cabinets.

[unknown]

Lars

Gerry wrote
hello,

i think this locks are later, probably 18th century.

maybe early 19th century.
i have heard in sweden old design was longer in use
than in the rest of europe.

Hi Gerry,

Thanks for the reply. I’m not sure they are from Sweden, my grandfather collected antiques from all over Western Europe. Chances are they are from Sweden though.

[unknown]

Scott Klemm

Thanks, Lars, for posting the pictures. I noticed that the lock in the last image of the first group is engraved. That should enhance its value. Also the one with the double bitted key (i.e. prongs on both sides) is unusual. Nice collection! Scott

Gerry

hello lars,

your pictures are a little bit small.

if you tnterested, i know 2 good books
with a lot of informations about locks
but this books are only in german.

http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85Z%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=weissenberger+eiserne&rh=n%3A186606%2Ck%3Aweissenberger+eiserne

http://www.antikmakler.de/catalog/bv20825.html

Lars

Thanks Gerry,

I’ll resend the photos. Thanks for the info on the books. I don’t know German, but thanks for the lead.

Thanks