Interesting Chubb 5 lever

[32768]

I bought an old Chubb lock a while ago which has some unusual features. I thought people here might be interested in seeing it and I'm hoping that one of you can tell me some more about it. It's a 5 lever store room lock with a knob on one side and a keyhole on the other. I would guess it's from the late 1800s, though the serial number is almost completely worn off which makes it more difficult to date. I'd appreciate it if anyone can tell me more. I'm also planning on writing to a couple of collectors to find more info. I haven't tried picking it yet because there's no apparent way to tension it without installing it on a door (if it were installed, you could push on the door which would hold the levers against the latch). Also, I don't particularly want to scratch it up more than it is. I'm planning on making a key for it instead.

The lock is unique in my experience for using the levers to secure the door- there is no bolt to retract. I thought at first that this was a very simple lock, but it has some subtlety. There are anti-pick notches on the bottoms and sides of the L shaped levers which engage with notches on the latch attached to the door frame. It's hardly a Detector, but it seems to offer at least a little security.

Here are some photos:

The back. This shows how the levers hold the door shut until they are
lifted by the key. http://tinypic.com/2bb1pu

The bolt, which is actually the ends of the levers, showing the anti-pick notches:
http://tinypic.com/2bb2hw

Old Chubbs generally have the serial number on the bolt. Unfortunately, on this lock this is the part which impacts the latch every time the door is closed. So it's mostly worn off. You can still see a little of the smiling fish logo.
http://tinypic.com/2bb1uc

Internals of the lock- a very simple lever lock. This also shows how turning the knob raises all the levers and allows opening the door. The two holes in the levers go all the way through the case (you can see these on the photo of the back). If you insert a pin in one of the holes it holds the lock open. The other hole is used to hold the lock shut so even the key can't open it:
http://tinypic.com/2bb24y

The latch has slots to engage the anti-pick notches on the levers
http://tinypic.com/2bb2bq

[Chris B]

[oldlock]

Thanks for the recommendation Chris.

The design is called the " Chubbs Combination Latch " it was patented in 1828 and the design was produced up until the 1940's

Without a serial number accurate dating is impossible, however the partial number you have suggests a number around 1,050,000 which would date the lock to around 1885.

Paul

[Chris B]

No prob's Paul,

You have an excellant web-site and I find it a good place for reference.
All the best
Chris

[kissalive]

looks like a MacKenzie lock which are still on a lot of old tenement flats in and around the Glasgow area

[oldlock]

The design was widely copied by many makers.

But the original design & patent was Chubbs.

Paul

[32768]

oldlocks- thanks for the information. I've read your site a few times and I learn something new each time I return.

[Rick-the-Pick]

That's an lovely old lock
Look's like one of chubbs first detainer's!