Lock Swing Plates

[Tom Hughes]

Locks were items that were used frequently in civil war camps, whether on a trunk or chest or to secure ammunition.
Locks provide an interesting look into their distribution and usage.
The story of a lock is generally told through its swing plate - the brass piece that covered the key hole. These were usually stamped with a user's mark.
Many were of foreign manufacture and bore the name and insignia of the ruling monarch.

This one is stamped - V.R. (Victoria Rex) - Made during the rule of Queen Victoria

W.R. (William Rex). The reign of King William of England? If so, this one would be early because he died in 1702. This may be during the reign of another European monarch.

G.R. (George Rex) - The reign of King George. Remember that not all of these locks are civil war period. If this is King George V of England then I believe this would be turn of the century.

D.M.& Co. is a popular manufacturer name that appears on civil war period or early locks.

U.S. - This may or may not signify military issue, but is still interesting.

Some are as simple as just having the word - PATENT - stamped on its facing.

Here's a grouping of swing lock plates. They come in many sizes and shapes and provide an interesting amusement into the history of the lock makers.

 

[UCVRelics]

Nice group. I found one of the D.M & Co in the CS camp here.

 

[Ole Miss]

Wow! What a collection and very nice nice
Regards
David

 

[Tom Hughes]

Nice group. I found one of the D.M & Co in the CS camp here.
View attachment 370303

Nice green patina!

 

[UCVRelics]

Nice green patina!

It is and I spent a few hours trying to find out who D M & Co was.

 

[Tom Hughes]

It is and I spent a few hours trying to find out who D M & Co was.

Any luck? I've always been curious as well and have never known who this company was.

 

[War Horse]

Fascinating, simply fascinating. Thank you for sharing this amazing information with us.

 

[Llewellyn]

Just a couple of points, if I may . . . . .

In the Royal Monogram, (like VR, or GR) the letter R stands for Rex only in the case of a king. In the case of a Queen, it stands for Regina. If you are prone to Spoonerisms, best to avoid saying Victoria Regina.

The King William who died in 1702 was William of Orange, who became (by invitation of Parliament) William III of England and Scotland, and he ruled in a unique dual monarchy with his wife, Mary, who had the regnal number II. Their ciphers were conjoined. Odd situation, all to do with keeping Roman Catholics away from the throne. He died when he fell from his horse which had stumbled in a mole hole, giving rise to a toast amongst Jacobites (those who supported the return of the Catholic James II) of "To the Little Gentleman in Velvet."

The WR in the examples above will probably refer to the Sailor King, William IV, (ruled 1830-1837)

 

[UCVRelics]

Any luck? I've always been curious as well and have never known who this company was.

Nope, never could find out who D M & Co was

 

[Llewellyn]

Nope, never could find out who D M & Co was

Davenport and Mallory, New Haven CT

Part of a larger company, Mallory Wheeler Hardware Co, used the D & M name on padlocks 1861 - 1864

 

[rebed19th]

Never seen a collection like that before and never thought much about it. you have given me something more to learn about. Great collection.

 

[Tom Hughes]

Just a couple of points, if I may . . . . .

In the Royal Monogram, (like VR, or GR) the letter R stands for Rex only in the case of a king. In the case of a Queen, it stands for Regina. If you are prone to Spoonerisms, best to avoid saying Victoria Regina.

The King William who died in 1702 was William of Orange, who became (by invitation of Parliament) William III of England and Scotland, and he ruled in a unique dual monarchy with his wife, Mary, who had the regnal number II. Their ciphers were conjoined. Odd situation, all to do with keeping Roman Catholics away from the throne. He died when he fell from his horse which had stumbled in a mole hole, giving rise to a toast amongst Jacobites (those who supported the return of the Catholic James II) of "To the Little Gentleman in Velvet."

The WR in the examples above will probably refer to the Sailor King, William IV, (ruled 1830-1837)

Thanks. Great information. I continue to learn more all the time.

 

[Mrs. V]

Fascinating! What was their purposse Keep muck out of the lock?

 

[Tom Hughes]

Fascinating! What was their purposse Keep muck out of the lock?

Yes, I guess to keep it clean since it was a cover for the key fitting.