These ornate mortise locks are shown in the Chicago Hardware Company catalog of 1895 and the design is referenced as simply 423. Notice how the screw head would form the center of a flower at both the top and bottom!
The locking function was patented by Milton & Sidney Niles in 1878 and 1880 which allows for doorknobs to be installed without a spindle. The locks and associated door hardware is now referred to as Niles Chicago. There were minor changes to the design subsequent to the patents but what remains the same is that the locks, doorknobs and escutcheon plates are all constructed to work with this design only. They cannot be interchanged with other hardware manufacturers products.
These locks have been cleaned and operate perfectly. All portions of the locks remain in excellent condition with the dark background still intact on the bronze face plates. The strike and deadbolt are also bronze. These locks are reversible for right or left hand doors. Open the casing, flip the strike over and close the lock again. Although I guarantee that the deadbolt function works I do not have a skeleton key to fit these locks. If you wish to use the deadbolt you will need to have your local locksmith make one.
I also have door plates available in the same pattern. To find other Niles Chicago hardware on this site, enter the keyword Niles in the search box to the left.
For instructions on installing and measuring a mortise lock, click
HEREBackset: 2-9/16
Spacing: 2-1/16
Casing: 3-1/16 wide x 3-5/8 high
Faceplate: 7/8 wide x 5-1/2 high
