rarely found and highly collectible original pre-civil war era antique american heavily ornamented cast iron c. 1860's refinished cast iron interior residential figural passage door surface or rim lock manufactured by the russell & erwin mfg. company, new britain, ct. in addition to the "pioneer" design (patented by cornelius b. erwin on july 27, 1858) russell & erwin offered the "eagle," "emigrant" and the "village" scenic pattern. this group of very unique and distinctive rim locks represents the first pictorial evidence of mass produced door locks in america. the remarkable detail and deep relief is truly stunning. the cast iron latch and dead bolts are original and in working condition. the brushed metal finish has been treated with a clear coat lacquer. the russell & erwin manufacturing company originated in 1839 when h.e. russell, cornelius b. erwin, and frederick t. stanley formed a partnership to produce locks and builders' hardware, under the name of stanley, russell & company. when mr. stanley withdrew from the partnership in 1840, smith matteson and john h. bowen were added, changing the name of the company to matteson, russell & company. in 1846, with the death of mr. matteson and the expiration of the partnership terms, the company's name changed to russell & erwin. in 1851 the partnership was reorganized as a joint stock company and was from that time known as russell & erwin manufacturing company, until its merger with p.& f. corbin in 1902. cornelius erwin served as president of the company from 1851 until his death in 1885. the company is best known as the pioneer of the wrought steel lock industry. measures 3 1/2 x 1 x 4 1/2 inches.