Mystery locking door handle

[BCA]

These door handles, boxed as “Z-3 ZC/C DA 1141” have a mounting hole spacing of 1.75”, a 5/16” square shaft with a threaded hole at the end and are supplied with Chicago Lock Co. keys. They are painted olive green but when the paint is removed it can be seen that the handle is solid brass, the mounting flange is a non-magnetic pot metal with casting number 101P. The 1.75” mounting hole spacing is unusual when compared to other military door handles. The “Z” reference in the part number may suggest a radio-related item?
Any thoughts? ... Brian

[David Dunlop]

C8A 1945 Wireless with the 1C11 body perhaps, Brian?

David

[Grant Bowker]

Both dimensions given (5/16" square shank and 1.75" c-c on mount holes) are consistent with the door on my C15A Wire-5 with 2K1 body. The door didn't come with a handle mounted so I can't tell anything about the pattern of the handle. The door is roughly 2-1/4" thick so if the shank is any shorter it seems doubtful (on first thought) it would suit.

[David Dunlop]

Grant, the handle for your 2K1 Wireless Body is much more universally round in profile than this one and is keyless. There is a flange cast into the base of the handle where the square shaft fits for a padlock. When the handle is in the closed position, the hole in the handle flange lines up with one in a corresponding flange on the estusion plate securing the handle to the door. A Corbin padlock is used to lock the door. I may have some photos of what you are looking for somewhere.

This handle of Brian’s looks more 8-cwt to me, or possibly modified commercial pattern.

David

[Grant Bowker]

Thank you. It was worth measuring to see if it might be relevant...

[Lang]

For those wanting to replace a locking door handle or convert a non-locking handle to give security and ease of access from both sides, there are many styles on Ebay.

I converted my Dodge WC12 to locking handles on both sides by finding a similar style and with a bit of work on the sanding belt made them look almost perfect. As they were being painted the loss of chrome did not matter.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CLASSIC-S...MAAOSw~1FUYfbA

[BCA]

Thank you David and Grant for the wireless body suggestions. I do not have any examples to inspect or books showing body part numbers. The shaft length (flange to tip of 5/16" shaft) is 2-7/8" so long enough for Grant's door thickness. Thank you Lang for the reference to repro keyed handles which are available in several mounting screw spacings. Maybe these handles were a security up-grade and the part number will be hard decipher as to application.

[Bruce MacMillan]

Looking at the VAOS list for Z3 shows that it covers radar & associated equipment. There are many listings for cabins and cabinets. I can see them being lockable to keep prying fingers out. No listing for small component parts though.