Part, Vault Lock: A piece from the locking mechanism of the Diebold Company vault door in the basement of La Casa Nueva, ca. 1880. The part is of a gold-colored metal and consists of a thick square end, a thinner plate, and a lever attached to the plate via a cylinder with a thin cylindrical piece of metal holding the lever in place. There is a long thin rectangular metal piece on the lever. The piece was removed from the lock mechanism box at the rear center of the door. The part was removed to prevent further accidental locking of the door. The estimate date of manufacture is derived from research done on the door by the cataloger (Thomas B. Davis, whose name is on the front came to Los Angeles in 1879, according to Harris Newmark) and the door was said to come from the Temple and Workman bank--though the original vault was replaced in 1878. The part is in good condition with some grease residue and rust buildup. The number 012 is engraved at the right edge of the plate portion.
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Documentary Artifact, Locks (securing devices), Diebold Company, Banks and banking--Los Angeles (Calif.)
