L115 - Brass Mid 1800's Lock Plate

A very rare and early trunk lock plate handmade from thick solid brass. It is marked "C. Liebrich Philad'a., Patent". Above the name is an Eagle and shield, holding three arrows and an olive branch. Measures 3 1/2" tall and 3 3/4" wide. This was removed from a high quality Jenny Lind style trunk which was not restorable.

This has a special keyhole cover with a secret opening feature. This style lock cover was used with locks of the mid-1800's such as early Jenny Lind trunks. A few had special handmade lock plates with secret opening methods. This would keep people from easily getting into the lock to try to unlock it. If you don't know how this opens it can be difficult and frustrating to do. As you can see in the pictures, the keyhole cover is hinged and has a strong securing piece on the inside which locks into place when closed. It has a built in brass sliding piece which moves up to unlock the keyhole cover. Please see all the pictures for details of the condition and style. It's made of heavy gauge brass, very strong and solid. This has not been polished but can be buffed to a bright finish if desired. The four original large brass rivets are included, which may be usable on some trunks.

Conrad Liebrich was a German lock maker who settled in Philadelphia in 1836 and made trunk locks into the late 1860's. He invented and patented lock styles used on many mid 1800's trunks (marked C. Liebrich). The lock plate design was also patented which is why it's marked Patent. In 1868 he sold his business to two men who named the company Star Lock Works. Price: $58 includes postage in the U.S. only. Payment by personal check or with the secure PayPal system, add to cart and checkout on this page. Thanks for visiting ThisOldTrunk.com Send any questions to Marvin@ThisOldTrunk.com