A Rare 19th Century Antique Brass and Steel Percussion-Cap Door Wedge Alarm, Circa 1840-1880

.This uncommon domestic security device served two purposes in one small object. It wedged a door shut and sounded an alarm if anyone tried to force it.

The cast and filed brass base plate has a shaped serpentine outline. Two forged steel leaves form the wedge tongue, which slides beneath the door. Their tips are secured with copper rivets.

Two curved brass hammers pivot on a transverse threaded arbor. Each hammer is driven by its own coiled steel spring, and knurled brass thumbscrews at either end set the tension. Bent wire sears hold the hammers cocked over a pair of squared iron anvils, where the percussion caps were placed. When the door was pushed against the wedge, the leaves tripped the sears. The hammers then fell and fired the caps with a report sharp enough to wake the house, while the wedge itself still held the door.

The twin-hammer arrangement guarded against a single misfire, which is a thoughtful refinement. It places the device among the more considered examples of a type otherwise known mainly from American patents of the 1850s to 1870s. The device carries no maker's or patent marks, and the attribution is therefore left open.

Provenance: English or continental origin. This rare piece does not bear any maker's or patent marks. 19th century in date.

Material: Brass, copper and steel.

Condition: The brass retains an old, untouched surface with wear consistent with age and use, and there is verdigris at the hammer bases. The steel leaves show surface oxidation and pitting. The springs and wire sears are present. Offered as a collector's object only; not for use with live caps.

Dimensions: Length: 14.5 cm / 5.7 in x Width: 5.5 cm / 2.2 in x Height: 3 cm / 1.2 in