Old Army

[Wiregrassguy]

Is that what is considered a french style case popular with distributors for early S&Ws? Again, I would ask if that is an original case with a new interior??

@Gary, I don't know the whole story on the case. The collector I bought the package from thought it was from M. W. Robinson. It has been discussed before in this thread:
Model 1-1/2 Old Model


Yes, I believe it was called the "French Style" by a knowledgeable member here a while back. ed? If it was re-lined, it was done a long time ago.



@murph I'm interested in the key. I'll PM you.

 

[BMur]

Style of Case and key for same?

Guy,
I recommend you try the key in photo 1. Notice it's the same or very close to the same key in my circa 1880 Presentation "Coffin" case? That lock works also. (see photos) I believe that was the "STANDARD" key used in the early cases and should work on "ALL" early case locks. If the lock is not busted. I believe your case is a European case based on the wide hinges and double lock.

The other cases just presented I believe are early drafting cases. These are often converted to gun cases but they are not modern cases. They are old! I've used them myself for derringers.
They stopped using those wood cases for drafting tools many years ago. I think guns look great in them also but finding a key that works? I haven't a clue.

I believe that when a customer went into a Major Distributor House that guns were not only on display but some were already displayed in various wood distributor cases and offered for sale in the case. Custom work was obviously also available as well as different style cases. I have only been able to confirm two American Distributor made cases. The standard case that I posted with the Colt Newline and Smith and Wesson. Also the "Coffin Case" that has a slightly raised lid that looks like an old coffin. I haven't been able to confirm any other except for European cases that normally have wide brass hinges with double locking hasps like Guy's.( see photo)

Also lighter colored wood with a circular disc in the center of the lid normally accompanied with double brass hooks on the front of the case. Around the perimeter are visible screw heads. Those are really nice cases also.


Murph

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Thanks, Murph! I'll go with that one.

 

[Kinman]

Please excuse the thread drift. I'm a relative novice at locks but here's my take: Skeleton keys are a misnomer. It implies that there is a universal key for these locks. This style lock is known as a tubular lock and there are various sizes of tubular keys for each size lock. The hole in the key must be sized to the "pin" visible in the case lock. The 'flag' or flat paddle that goes in the key slot is a specific size to the lock (L & W) and will usually have "teeth" (the Bit?) cut into it that are specific to that lock. Lessor quality locks have just a flat flag and any flat flag key will work. A quick look at BMur's selection above will give one an idea of the bit mentioned.

Nice drift but does pertain to the discussion, my wife's grandmother's house had locks for every cotton picking door, they were all different...according to my wife there was one key that fit them all. We ended up with a zip lock baggie full of keys, although the house has long left the family. The term "skeleton key" is universally used with this particular type of key due to the fact that they are about as basic as a key can possibly be, therefore reduced to "skeleton" in definition.

 

[BMur]

Correct Key

Hey Guy,

Lets do this right Ok? I’m really not 100% sure about the European case keys so can you take a good photo of the lock like photos attached? The American cases are identical in tubular size but again, I’m not sure about the double pin case. So if we take just a little more time researching our odds on sending you the correct key is much higher I think.

Murph

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Murph, I'm going to post one more picture to respond to your request since it pertains to the general theme of old boxes . However I'd like to take our transaction to PM so as not to further hijack danalex's thread.

Guy