Shipwreck Hardware Questions

[nauticalcollector]

This door hardware came from an estate sale on the Lake Michigan side of Wisconsin. I'm told it's from an old shipwreck. I'm not told what shipwreck or where. Only that it was found many years ago.

It's 10x5 inches and brass. No "made in China," etc., only the embossed numbers 72 R 229 D6.

Okay, here are my questions:

1. Does it appear to be nautical?

2. Do the numbers tell us anything?

3. Any suggestions for further research?

Thanks for any help.

 

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[IronSpike]

Welcome to Tnet nauticalcollector

I think the RH means Right Hand or Right Hung.

 

[nauticalcollector]

Thanks, Rando. This is about what I figured too.

It may have come from a shipwreck but it also may have come from the back door of some shop torn down years ago

I don't have it in hand yet but when it gets to me I'll look for signs of water damage, etc.

Personally I believe it's actually from a wreck but I'll never be able to prove that. Maybe it's best that way?

Today I search high and low for shipwreck goodies but those from the Great Lakes are nearly impossible to come by. Those our there for collectors were brought up long before the current laws and even then one has to trust the word of the finder.

When it comes to anything brought up from the ocean floor or dug at some famous site, unless one finds these things oneself--one has no proof they're genuine (I mean genuine in the sense they came from that site). It's once again a matter of trusting someone else.

My best treasures are the ones I found or brought up. I will always know they're genuine but the next owner will have to settle for my word on that.

 

[nauticalcollector]

Welcome to Tnet nauticalcollector

I think the RH means Right Hand or Right Hung.

Thanks much, friend.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I dont know what the numbers mean but it looks like it could be a very plain mortise for a steel door and therefore possible to be from a ship imo.


This listing (230292764930) has been removed, or this item is not available

eBay.com.sg: ANTIQUE BRASS SHIP KNOB HARDWARE~shipwreck MICHIGAN ...ANTIQUE nautical brass hardware knob and lock from ship wreck in Lake Michigan ...from local estate on Lake Michigan, Numbers "72 R 229 D6 EMBOSSED on back, ...
cgi.ebay.com.sg/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item... - Similar

 

[IronSpike]

It's similar to this Brass craftsman/Mission Entry rim lock on this site:

http://images.google.com/imgres?img...&hl=en&rlz=1G1ACGW_ENUS342&sa=N&start=21&um=1

Interesting that the comment notes that it either was for exterior door or marine.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

The one you pictured IS with the Rosewood knob is also for a steel door and mounts on the outside.
This type of mortise lock cannot be used for high security as you could simply remove the screws. Therefore can also be a Marine door.

 

[nauticalcollector]

It's similar to this Brass craftsman/Mission Entry rim lock on this site:

Interesting that the comment notes that it either was for exterior door or marine.

Hum? Now that is interesting!

Thanks

 

[nauticalcollector]

The one you pictured IS with the Rosewood knob is also for a steel door and mounts on the outside.
This type of mortise lock cannot be used for security as you could simply remove the screws. Therefore can also be a Marine door.

Good comments and thanks.

Well I guess it looks good for this hardware being from some sort of wreck. Wish there was more info though.

I recall when I was a kid walking the shores of Lake Michigan I'd often find old oak boards with very large spikes in them, etc. Back then most of these planks ended up being used for beach party bonfires.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

The one you pictured IS with the Rosewood knob is also for a steel door and mounts on the outside.
This type of mortise lock cannot be used for security as you could simply remove the screws. Therefore can also be a Marine door.

Good comments and thanks.

Well I guess it looks good for this hardware being from some sort of wreck. Wish there was more info though.

I recall when I was a kid walking the shores of Lake Michigan I'd often find old oak boards with very large spikes in them, etc. Back then most of these planks ended up being used for beach party bonfires.

We had a restaurant made out of driftwood. I forgot the name. Go to the site of the bonfires and you may still find the spikes. I think this is more likely from an iron ship. Its not a wood door mortise. Wood door mortises mount inside the door.

 

[nauticalcollector]

I think this is more likely from an iron ship. Its not a wood door mortise. Wood door mortises mount inside the door.
[/quote]

Good point and I never thought of that.

"Shipwreck" may have been an old iron rig somebody scrapped out (maybe a sidewheeler?).

Lots of lumber and Christmas tree haulers were lost off Wisconsin from 1880's to 1920's.

At any rate I'm glad it's most likely nautical. I figure it's worth the $28 I paid for it.

 

[nauticalcollector]

Thanks a ton to everyone!

I learned a lot with this item and I really appreciate the help.

 

[IronSpike]

The one you pictured IS with the Rosewood knob is also for a steel door and mounts on the outside.
This type of mortise lock cannot be used for high security as you could simply remove the screws. Therefore can also be a Marine door.

Wooden doorknobs were used on some exterior doors for obvious reasons. With the wind on late season operations, surfaces would tend to get pretty cold. Think of the tongue on a flagpole thing.
There was another reason, which escapes me now, and I know that it wasn't really deemed necessary on later vessels and they just made them out of steel..

You learn a lot on this forum. Never thought of the security The tongue/flag pole reminds me of a movie I watch at least once a year

 

[nauticalcollector]

Think of the tongue on a flagpole thing.

Haha! I almost fell on the floor! You are funny.

But you're also right I'll bet.

Thanks