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Detector lock

Detector lock

  • Place of origin:

    Birmingham, England (made)

  • Date:

    ca. 1680 (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Wilkes, John (maker)

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Brass and engraved steel, with restorations; cast steel key

  • Museum number:

    M.109-1926

  • Gallery location:

    British Galleries, room 56d, case 14

  • Download image

Object Type
This 'detector' lock shows how many times a door had been unlocked by means of a numbered dial set to the right of the clock. The figure of a man holds a pointer against the dial. Each time the key is turned in the lock, the engraved dials rotates and the pointer indicates a number. The key-hole is concealed by the man's front leg, which operates on a pivot. When a button is pressed, the leg swings forward to reveal the keyhole. The door-bolt is released by tilting the man's hat.

Use
Such a lock would have been fitted to the door of a private closet, where important business took place.

Inscription
The front of the lock is engraved with the verse:

If I had ye gift of tongue
I would declare and do no wrong
Who ye are ye come by stealth
To impare my Master's wealth.

Place of Origin

Birmingham, England (made)

Date

ca. 1680 (made)

Artist/maker

Wilkes, John (maker)

Materials and Techniques

Brass and engraved steel, with restorations; cast steel key

Dimensions

Height: 11.3 cm, Width: 15.5 cm lock in, Depth: 3.5 cm without doorknobs, Width: 17 cm lock out, Depth: 6.5 cm with doorknobs

Object history note

Made in Birmingham by John Wilkes (died 1733) and signed by him

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

Rupert Gentle and Rachael Feild, Domestic Metalwork 1640-1820, Antique Collectors Club, 1998, p. 384

Labels and date

British Galleries:
Between 1600 and 1700 locks became increasingly sophisticated. This lock is called a 'detector' because it displays how many times it has been opened. It also has a keyhole hidden beneath the soldier's leg, revealed by pressing a button. Similar locks remain in place at Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire and Sherborne Castle, Dorset. [27/03/2003]

Categories

Metalwork; Tools & Equipment; Architectural fittings

Collection code

MET

Download image
Qr_O78423
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