Late Victorian Rim Lock with Black Ceramic Door Knob – “Patent Superior – Steel Palace Action” (c.1870–1900)

An original late Victorian rim lock, dating to approximately 1870–1900, complete with a large black ceramic (porcelain) door knob and square spindle, and featuring the original oval brass patent plate stamped “Patent Superior – Steel Palace Action.”

This is a keyless but lockable rim lock, designed with a hand-operated sliding deadlock. The door is opened and closed using the ceramic knob, while the rectangular sliding bolt is moved by hand to secure the latch for privacy. This type of mechanism was widely used on Victorian internal doors where keyed access was unnecessary.

The lock retains its original painted steel case, now showing heavy crackle paint, wear, and surface corrosion consistent with genuine 19th-century use. The large black glazed ceramic knob is the correct period type, originally paired with rim locks of this era, and is supplied with the original square spindle.

A characterful and complete example of Victorian architectural hardware, suitable for period property restoration, WC/bathroom or bedroom privacy doors, heritage interiors, or film / TV / theatre prop use.

Maker / Patent Marking

Brass plate clearly stamped:
“Patent Superior – Steel Palace Action”

Features

• Genuine Victorian rim lock (c.1870–1900)
• Patent-marked Steel Palace Action mechanism
• Keyless design with hand-operated sliding deadlock
• Large black ceramic (porcelain) door knob included
• Original square steel spindle
• Original painted steel case with aged patina

Included

• 1 × Victorian rim lock body
• 1 × large black ceramic door knob
• 1 × square spindle
• No key required by design
• Fixings and strike/keep not included unless shown

Condition

Used antique condition – sold as found.

• Heavy age-related wear throughout, including paint loss, cracking, surface rust, and patina consistent with Victorian use
• The latch operates and the hand-operated sliding deadlock slides freely and functions correctly
• The ceramic knob shows surface wear consistent with age but no obvious cracks
• Brass patent plate shows tarnish

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Approximate Date

Late Victorian, circa 1870–1900