SNIP
>>720. I dunno, but if anyone can tell me for sure what THIS lock was
>>>intended to secure I'd be grateful:
>>>
>>>
formatting link
>>>>>I've had it in my collection of techno oddities for about 30 years, and as
>>>yet I haven't received a confirmable answer about it. The antique shop
>>>owner I bought it from had no idea what it was used for.
>>>
>>>I 'spose it could lock into a groove on a shaft to keep the shaft from
>>>being slid out of something, or keep something on the shaft, but that's
>>>about all I can think of.
>>>
>>>It has no markings on it and looks hand made, so it might just be a
>>>"master piece" created by an apprentice locksmith as his "thesis
>>>presentation", and had no particular practical application.
>>>
>>>Jeff
>>>
>>>--
>>>Jeffry Wisnia
Hey Jeff,
I've never seen one like it, but it may possibly have been a lock-out for some cable controlled apparatus, such as a built-in-the-early-1900's-elevator. These old freight (mostly) elevators used a hand-cable to shift the over-head line-shaft crossed belt system to achieve direction and brake application. If that were locked around the cable, it may have prevented operation, Hand cables were nominally 3/8" wire rope, with about 2" clamp balls to adjust and limit throw.
Take care.
Brian Lawson, Bothwell, Ontario.