It might be lore that folks took thier door handles off as a locking method, I've never read such in a first hand account...but it would work. The handles aren't that much bigger than were the keys of the period, albeit bulkier. If it were an everyday practice, I think we would see a lot of wear on the threads. SML
This is a very nice open face lock, probably from the last 3rd of the 18th century. Very popular among Pennsylvania's Germanic community. Yes, the ability to remove the handle is essentially the lock. More than likely this was for an exterior door. Generally speaking, interior doors had fixed handles. These types are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "Moravian" locks. Although Moravians certainly used them, they were just as common among all other Germanic groups as well. Chris Witmer
The handle unscrews. Could this be a form of a lock that you take the handle with you when leaving your house?
Photos by Jan Riser.
It might be lore that folks took thier door handles off as a locking method, I've never read such in a first hand account...but it would work. The handles aren't that much bigger than were the keys of the period, albeit bulkier. If it were an everyday practice, I think we would see a lot of wear on the threads. SML
ReplyDeleteThis is a very nice open face lock, probably from the last 3rd of the 18th century. Very popular among Pennsylvania's Germanic community. Yes, the ability to remove the handle is essentially the lock. More than likely this was for an exterior door. Generally speaking, interior doors had fixed handles. These types are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "Moravian" locks. Although Moravians certainly used them, they were just as common among all other Germanic groups as well. Chris Witmer
ReplyDelete