Christopher Clarke Antiques

Hill’s Registered Door Wedge

This brass door wedge would act as security for the traveller staying in an inn or public house. The brass part would be put under the room door and pushed down to the floorboards in order that the two pins to the underside would grip and hold its position. The beech wedge would then be inserted between the 2 brass sections to push them apart and so lock the door. The traveller could then sleep safe in the knowledge that he wouldn’t be robbed in the night. The wedge is relatively small and once in its leather case would be easy to carry. It is stamped in gilt to the case Hill’s Registered Door Wedge and the brass and beech are also stamped Registered 17th December 1847, with the maker’s name and No. 1296 to 1 section of brass. It is known that James Bedington, a scientific instrument maker of Birmingham, also produced similarly designed locks. Whether he or Hill was the originator of the design is not known but it was not uncommon for makers to stamp their work with pseudo patent or registration numbers to dissuade others from copying their work. The antique period is mid 19th Century.