Yale Night Latch Value Guide

This antique Yale night latch represents a pivotal era in American security, manufactured between 1900 and 1920. As a product of the company that pioneered the cylinder lock, these surface-mounted cast iron latches are prized for their mechanical durability and historical connection to Linus Yale Jr.'s innovations.

What Is Yale Night Latch Worth?

The typical price range for Yale Night Latch is $20 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of the original matching strike plate significantly increases the market value.
• The condition of the internal spring mechanism and the smoothness of the turn knob operation.
• Completeness of the original black japanned or metallic finish on the cast iron exterior.
• Authenticity of the mounting screws and whether the unit has been modified for modern doors.

How to Identify Yale Night Latch?

• Look for the 'Yale' brand name embossed directly into the cast iron body or the turn knob.
• Verify the surface-mount design which features a manual turn knob and a spring-loaded bolt mechanism.
• Check for the distinct heavy-duty cast iron housing characteristic of early 20th-century United States manufacturing.
• Examine the internal steel components for the specific mechanical wear patterns typical of 1900-1920 era production.

History of Yale Night Latch

Yale, founded in 1840, is one of the oldest international lock makers. Linus Yale Sr. began designing and manufacturing a variety of innovative locks in the mid-19th century in the United States. His son, Linus Yale Jr., later perfected his father's designs, inventing the cylinder lock, which became a global standard. Night latches like this one were common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offering simple, effective security for residential and commercial doors.