11th Nov, 2023 9:30 GMT/BST
Autumn Fine Sale
185
A Brass and Steel Cavalier Detector Lock, by John Wilkes of Birmingham, circa 1680, of rectangular form with bas-relief soldier pointing a staff, his spring-loaded "kick" leg concealing the keyhole, his hat locking the knobs, within an engraved chevron border
15.5cm long, with foliate cast knobs and brass receiver
The numbered dial on the lock turns each time the door is unlocked, the pointer showing the number of times this has happened since the mechanism was reset. Once the pointer has reached 100 the mechanism can be reset by pressing a button on the soldier's breast and turning the key.
A similar example in the Victoria & Albert Museum, accession number M109-1926, is inscribed:
If I had ye gift of tongue
I would declare & do no wrong
Who ye are ye come by stealth
To impair my master's wealth
Johannes Wilkes Birmingham fecit.
Another plainer example is in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, accession number BK-NM-886. For another example signed and with verse see Sotheby's New Bond Street, 12 May 2015, lot 206 and a further example with verse but not signed see Toovey's, 17 June 2008, lot 3100
Sold for £7,000
Estimated at £7,000 - £10,000
There is no key. The lock barrel has been changed, presumably in the 19th century. Brass with some surface marks and general wear / scratches. No majot dents or gouges. The steel sections with some notable pitting.
The lock is not signed.
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We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a condition report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition.
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Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.
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Auction: Autumn Fine Sale, 11th Nov, 2023
The Autumn Fine Art Sale offers a strong mix of traditional antiques, led by a fine pair of Chinese Porcelain Yellow Ground Medallion Bowls, and a very rare 17th century 'Detector' Lock, one of only a handful known by Birmingham locksmith John Wilkes. Also on offer are a selection of Bear Jugs from the Collection of the Late Stanley J. Seeger, and A Private Collection of Barometers.
The Sale will also include Selected Items Sold on Behalf of the Terry Family of York (Terry’s Chocolates) - these items will be denoted throughout the online catalogue with a ~
Viewing
Sunday 5 November - Friday 10 November 11am-4pm, and morning of sale from 8am.
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