Sargent & Greenleaf, Rochester New York - 2 movements, Model #4, 4B aka Cleoh

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A. Model #4 (later no. 6204), version 1. c. 1879. In July of 1878, Sargent and Greenleaf introduced their Model #4 time lock. It was smaller than the #3 giving it the advantage of being able to fit in more and smaller existing vault doors, but with no compromise in security or features and thus still having a hefty $400 retail price tag. This model was the first time the firm employed three new features. First, were Geneva stops which would not become standard on the rest of their line of time locks until a few years later. Second, a split front movement plate, the beginnings of a modular design that would become fully developed later. Third, the shift from the door having a lever type lock to the simpler (cheaper) handcuff style. By 1888 this type of door lock was used on all Sargent time lock doors (1). The lock illustrated has 46 hour, solid enamel dials, the earliest version. These as well as the 46 hour version were the earliest type used between the lock's introduction in 1878 and the switch to the company's ubiquitous 'wagon wheel' style in the later 1880's. Notice that the locks illustrated on the prior page are also labeled as Model #4 even though they have only one movement and look and function quite differently from those depicted on this page. Sargent used their model numbers to denote the size of the lock case. Thus because both used the same sized case, they were both called number four. This made sense since size was the first consideration as to whether a time lock could be installed within a vault door. This is the same lock illustrated in American Genius, page 195-196. Sargent made 365 of the first version with 15 known to survive. Case, bolt and movement #217. file 149

B. Model #4 version 2. c. 1884. This version had subtle differences from the earlier version. The Geneva stops are of a more conventional style, the movements have an additional 2 hours giving a 48 hour duration, and the movements have an additional two bolts at the bottom that provide additional attachment to the case. See a series of photos and videos of the cleaning and restoration of this lock. Case, bolt and movement #443. file 116

C. Model #4 version 3. c. 1890. By 1889 the Model #4 had 72 hour movements with matching dials. The wagon wheel design was adopted to conform with that used in other models of Sargent's time locks. Geneva stops have been move toward the case sides to accommodate the larger spring barrel needed for the extended time duration. Jeweled bronze case, spotted pattern. About 800 of this style were made with 30 or so thought to have survived. Case and bolt #750, movement #747. file 107

D. Model #4 c. late 1890's. Same as 'C' but equipped with less common solid door in place of glass. This was used in areas where heavy coin bags could come into contact with the time lock's door. Crystalline pattern is well illustrated. Dials have Sargent & Greenleaf Co. on them which was introduced in 1896. Another solid door lock illustrating the spotted pattern. Case and bolt #1690, movement #1685. file 87

E. Model #4. c. 1930's. A later version with polished case. Versions, post 1918, had the name Sargent & Greenleaf, Inc. on the time dials. Engraving was eliminated from the rear plate, bolt work and drop lever. All versions of the model 4 cost $400, just as much as the larger and equally secure model 3 and 2. Sargent continued to make the model 4 at least through 1950, with total production eventually exceeding 5000 units, making it Sargent & Greenleaf's most successful design. However, like most small-format time locks, the model 4 was commonly mounted in smaller safes and often junked or scrapped with the safe. Consequently the model 4 is still rather rare with about 200 examples of all versions surviving (2). Case #3465, movement #4933. file 81

F. Model #4B, (later no. 6202) and also known as the Cleoh. c. 1910. Almost all S&G time locks were designed to operate by blocking the bolt work on the vault door. This model, with it's modified dog arm, was designed (as was the company's first time lock, the model 1) to operate directly on the combination lock. These were designed for use in National Safe Co., cannonball safes (3). Jeweled crystalline style bronze case. Fewer than two hundred were made. Less than a dozen are thought to have survived. Case #4B-2606, movement #2933. file 35

Below are photos of a Sargent and Greenleaf #4 mounted to an inner safe door. The conventional place for a time lock is normally on the main door to protect the entire safe. Here it appears that only the inner, separate safe compartment merited the extra security of a time lock. It is also possible that the configuration of the unusual main door that was split down the middle prevented this type of installation on the main doors. The last photo is of a Sargent #4B or Cleoh lock installed in a National Safe Co. cannonball safe.