I am wanting to tap the vast bank of knowledge of the forum members. Can anyone tell me what this is?
My wife found it in a box of odds and ends and asked me (the supposed font of all knowledge) what it is and I had to say "I don't have a clue!
It is brass, soldered construction. Two parts; one end and the rod are inserted in the shell with, obviously, an internal catch.
There is a slot in the opposite end, which the keys (I am assuming that is what they are) fit into. Inside the slot I can see two pins/studs, one below and one above with a gap between.
Inserting the "keys" different ways I can feel some "spring" movement but cannot release the catch to release the insert.
75½mm (231/32") long.
There are patterns engraved on it; significant, or not, I can't say.
So, once again, what is it; and how do I open it? All theories welcome and if you need more information to test a theory feel free to ask me to have a closer look.
(https://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/139/DSCF6405.JPG)
(https://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/139/DSCF6407.JPG)
(https://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/139/DSCF6408.JPG)
(https://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/139/DSCF6406.JPG)
(https://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/139/DSCF6409.JPG)
It is a lock from jewellery cases.
The blade which you shoa as folded, open it out.
Place the end of the blade with the "V" in it into the slot of the end of the big triagular piece.
Now push the "V" piece into the slot to its fll extent.
Now, pull the opposite end of the triangular piece and it will come apart.
I know this as I have several of them from out time overseas on fancy jewellery oxes.
Right, opened it. Quite a simple mechanism and, once you have done it once, easy peasy.
Still the purpose of the item eludes us. Has been suggested it may have Masonic connotations. Thinking how it may have arrived at our place that could be feasible.
Not sure what the second key does. Perhaps there is a companion object it is for?
(https://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/139/DSCF6415.JPG)
(https://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/139/DSCF6414.JPG)
Thanks Bruce, mystery solved. I thought a good chance someone would identify it.
Found a picture of something similar.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/wqUAAOSw-0ddKjSX/$_1.JPG)
So its a chastity belt lock.
Quote from: 'gweidion' pid='125245' dateline='1626782004'So its a chastity belt lock.
Good thing I managed to work out how to get it open then.
But of course Goldie already knew anyway.
Thanks JeffH.