Old Lock ?

[notuagain2627]

I have recently removed this lock from a building that dates back to the 1850s and i wonderd if anyone could tell me how old it might be and any other information about the company history. and for added interest i will not give any more detail other than what is in the picture (for now).

Click for bigger picture
sorry if i have made any mistakes , this is just a bit of fun and i will add more information later

[notuagain2627]

in the picture it shows three levers but there should be four

[Bump]

You might want to try here

[thekeymaker]

looks like you have a Old Mortise Lock there. what more can you tell us about the lock.

[JackNco]

WOW look at the size of the thing. if i were u ide put it all back together and stick it on ebay unless you have a personal interest in it there are people that collect old locks, especially if you have the key.

[raimundo]

The lock shows definate signs of being a product of the industrial revolution, not a handmade antique. the square hole for the doorknob is an industrial design, and the parts are sand cast, some brass, and the part the knob square shaft goes through is probably iron. the only reference to size in the photo is the coke can off frame left. but it seems that the key may be large. possibly the door and frame were upgraded in the late 19th century.

[horsefeathers]

My guess - age between 50 - 70 years old, say around 1940.


But what do I know!!!!

regards

[notuagain2627]

some great replies thanks for the interest here is some more info , the lock has G2 marked at the to of the face plate as well as HOBBS & Co at the bottom and the key is on a master system.

[Bump]

Dont get carried away by its potential value. Many of this type of lock were still being made up until the 1950's and in catalogues until 1965. They sell for pennies and unless its a real architectural rarity, old locks seldom bring the prices one might think.

Hobbs & Co are an English company, a little bit of history can be found here.

[Bump]

I also meant to add that Hobbs himself was an American.

[notuagain2627]

Mr Hobbs was a very interesting character i will look up more info on him . and it had not crossed my mind that the lock may have any value i just thought it was an interesting lock and i have no idea how old it is

[arris]

doesnt look too old tbh, as has leavers alot of the really old stuff didnt have any leavers and relied on, warding but inside warding, not sure of the proper name,

well the oldest locks i have worked on have been like this.
Also the size of the keyhole looks fairly small as to guage not really big..
As the old ones have cast iron keys.

Interesting tho...

[SFGOON]

Hobbs was the greatest locksmith and lockpicker of the industrial revolution. That is a fine lock you have there, very nice example.

[Bump]

Here is one I have in my collection. Its generically called a "Banbury Lock". It looks really old but again they were still available in 1950-60.

My
Old
Lock
Nice!

[raimundo]

it looks like its from the days when locks were made with hammer and anvil