Bell Lock

Legend say that the famous Houdini Bell handcuff was made from a German Bell Padlock, pictured below.
I have been asked about the padlocks, but I know nothing.  Does anyone have one or know anything more about them?
Thanks
Joe

Hey Joe, 
I have seen several variants of 'bell padlocks'. All of them had a very simple key mechanism. From my understanding and research, they were not used as the primary locking device but rather as a supplement lock/seal which would be added to a safe, strongbox or even a door. The purpose of the locks were to alert someone, like the owner (perhaps in another room) that the door was being accessed at a time that it should not be accessed.  Bells could be in different tones, so you could determine WHICH door or safe was being opened.  The bell lock concept was also applied by many banks and hotels and later combined as part of a "daygate" system. Cash register companies took notice and incorporated bells and chimes into their products for the same reasons, some of which became quite elaborate in the tones they could produce. Some making alternate bell rings for each employee or certain denominations tendered. I would love to own one of the padlocks, however I have yet to find an example that is fully functional for a reasonable asking price.

 Cheers,
 --Vince

This lock just sold Saturday on the Potter & Potter Auction for $3400 plus 25% buyers fee.

Ron

This is a Mosler bell lock for a day gate at a bank or teller gate that Vince alluded to above.
A pretty heavy duty lock at that.  I am guessing that this is from 1920's to 30's.
This is as close to a bell padlock or handcuff that most likely I will ever have.
The bitting on the key is symmetrical so that it can be used on the opposite side of the lock while operating the same set of levers in the lock.


.