ANTIQUE SARGENT & GREENLEAF BANK VAULT TIME LOCK SAFE FANCY MODEL With EXTRAS
This time lock has a unique background with historical significance. It was used in a 7' tall vault manufactured by Miller Safe and Iron Works of Baltimore, MD (I actually have the Miller steel panels), installed in The Octagon building in Washington DC, soon after being constructed by William Thornton, the architect of our US Capital building, in 1800. In 1814, the owner and resident, offered the Octagon to President James Madison and his wife Dolly, after the British burned the White House.
It therefore became the only executive office ever used by a US President in place of the White House. Early dial serial #s: 543, 544, 545 can be seen in photos 2 & 3 if you enlarge. The time lock has an early patent date stamped on its release lever inside - July 20, 1875, so we cannot assume that President Madison used it. It came into my possession as an AIA employee where we leased Octagon office space in the early 70's, and reconstruction dismantled the entire vault to be discarded.
The two included rare lock parts are from the same dismantled vault. The lock inside is in an absolutely beautiful condition!
Every metal surface of the interior is hand etched by an artisan. Manufactured by Sargent & Greenleaf Co. Of Rochester, NY, (stamped inside as #69) the 3-wheel clockwork metal appears to be made of brass, still works fine and comes with a winding key (the center dial sometimes stops at 4 hours, but can be restarted by tapping with a toothpick). The levers are engraved stainless steel with blue steel screws, a new metal of the time, and are fully functional. The top lid with a spotless glass insert, can be opened and closed easily from R to L, and is machine etched brass both inside and out.
The glass small lid lock appears to be functional but there is no key. On the outside of the time lock are scratches and scuff marks commensurate with its age (see photos).The underside of box appears to be the original red paint coating, and 4 rubber cushions. This rare time lock is both historical, and absolutely beautiful! It comes with 2 additional manual brass lock parts from the same Octagon vault (please see pictures). Enlarge all photos- they are part of description.
Note: the package weight is over 25lbs. The item "ANTIQUE SARGENT & GREENLEAF BANK VAULT TIME LOCK SAFE FANCY MODEL With EXTRAS" is in sale since Wednesday, March 4, 2020. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Tools, Hardware & Locks\Locks, Keys". The seller is "gramssales" and is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This item can be shipped to United States.- Modified Item: No
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Historical Significance: Octagon Building Washington DC