Object Description
A large, brass Kit Back Lock by York House of 15 Regent Street, London.
The lock is approximately one inch larger in size than a standard Kit Bag Lock and has the retailer’s details to the bow. The padlock is period but associated and would have been purchased separately when first sold.
York House were also known as the Junior Army & Navy Store and were founded in 1879 by Major Clinch in competition to the Army & Navy CSL.
Kit Bag Locks were useful for securing your baggage when travelling, allowing you to fix it to rails on trains etc. as well link the two handles of a bag, making it harder to open. Vast numbers were made and sold but most do not have a maker or retailer’s name to them. Circa 1900.