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Coin operated locks

PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 7:04 pm
by Neilau
Does anyone know anything about or have examples of coin operated locks.?

Like the type used on pay toilets etc.

"Spend a penny"

Re: Coin operated locks

PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 9:00 pm
by macgng
http://monarchcoin.com/coin-operated-door-lock

http://www.nikolok.com/

been after one of these on eBay for a while but they are CRAZY expensive.... if you look on eBay uk, you might find an antique one that just takes a penny and has a bit key, but bids on those go quite high.

there are a bunch of assa locker locks that take a coin on eBay UK but i haven't really looked at them.

there is also AMERICAN LOCKER COMPANY, they service most of the theme parks and water parks around here, there current key is a sidewinder key, while there OLD style is quite interesting... but I've only seen keys for sale, not a lock.

hope this helps.

Re: Coin operated locks

PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 10:00 pm
by Neilau
Thanks for that.

From what I have found out the first one was invented /designed by J. N. Maskelyne in the late 1800s.

It was the one used on toilets in the UK for many decades.

J.N. Maskelyne was the son of a famous English magician and producer of magic shows in the 19th century.

I'll try and find any patents and go from there.

Just something that I haven't cone across in all the lock literature that I have read and thought it might be interesting.

Looking at the prices I know why I don't have one in my collection. :D

Re: Coin operated locks

PostPosted: Fri Jul 01, 2016 10:40 pm
by bitbuster
Not the lock itself, but just the pay toilet sign sold for $76.
http://bid.hinesauctionservice.com/view ... 2F12825%2F

Re: Coin operated locks

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2018 12:45 pm
by rphillips52
Neilau wrote:Does anyone know anything about or have examples of coin operated locks.?

Like the type used on pay toilets etc.

"Spend a penny"


Maskelyne (indeed, of the family of magicians) was one patentee of 'automatic locks'. Seems to have been some coyness about calling them coin-operated, in view of their early use.

There were several makers, Lockerbie & Wilkins being one of the main makers, ETAS and Union also made them. Over the years, they were made not only for 1d, but also for ¼d and ½d, although 1d is most common.
Typically, there is a lever lock on the coin box, and a warded key to open the latch from outside without a coin. Some also have a front cover over the mechanism which is removable for service, and locked by a small lever lock. Otherwise, a jammed lock has to be removed from the door.

Most of these were removed and junked either at decimalisation, or later with other coinage changes. The locks weigh a hefty amount of good brass! although some are also nickel-plated.