Unusual British Locks

[Engineer]

I am constantly amazed at how the design and shape of locks varies from country to country. With global trade now, many of these however might start to disappear. I thought it might be good if we could all preserve the interesting ones we come across? I hope others will start similar posts for their own countries!

I will add more as I come across them, but anyone else can feel free to add British locks to this thread!

I know Yale is a multi-national company, but this one was made by Yale UK. It has to be at least 50 years old and is still in use. A little unusual as it has a side attachment for permanently attaching a chain to it.



This second one is probably around the same age and is also still in use. It is made by "Era" who are perhaps best known now for their mortice (lever) door locks. It is made like an "Old English" padlock, but doesn't have the usual "hourglass" figure.



If you are wondering what the "Old English" style normally looks like, this is one of those very tradional designs. This one is in brass and was primally a domestic padlock, the more industrial versions were typically made by Belfry. This lock is not in use and is part of my own personal collection.



It's outline is usually described as "hourglass", but it looks remarkably like Mickey Mouse as well...

[mongo]

How many turns on the squire key to pop the shackle? also, is th shackle just chromed or actual steel chrome plated...I need answers...

[Engineer]

Hi Mongo!

The Squire takes just one single turn to release the shackle. The shackle is either chrome- or nickle-plated hardened steel.

[mongo]

Hey engineer, thank man...I am looking at the cuts on the key and th estamping on the lock reading '4 brass levers. The cuts suggest that ea pick up two levers. I am correct in this assumption?

[Engineer]

No problem Mongo - The code on the key itself "ES8" actually does give the cuts for the key. Not directly though, there must be a booklet somewhere that translates all the codes into actual cut depths, but unfortunately I don't have one

If you look at the key, there are 5 "steps" on it. The one closest to the end of the key is always the longest one and is actually the "bolt-thrower". All it actually does is to retract and extend a metal bar through the end of the shackle to lock and unlock the padlock.

The other 4 steps on the key actually lift the 4 levers inside to the right heights, to allow the bolt to move. It is a lever lock mechanism like you get in doors.

Any more question, please feel free to ask, I'm happy to help if I can.

[mongo]

Engineer, thanx you cleared a bunch on the key. I am going to start looking for them around here. 'They look interesting. I'll PM you if I find any. later

[greyman]

Engineer

You raise some good points. If you want to see UK locks, check out ebay.co.uk and type in Chubb or padlock, etc. You may need to sift a fair bit.