91A-RH Mortise Lock, Right Hand

This Marks mortise lock is an amazing value, when you consider that you can spend upwards of $1000 for a mortise lock these days. We wanted a nice, classic looking mortise lockset for our 130 year old front door that we spent a fortune restoring and refinishing. We initially were willing to spend $600 on a supposedly high end solid brass Restoration Hardware mortise set, but because of pandemic supply chain delays, it kept getting farther and farther backordered. We couldn't wait any longer, and we weren't willing to spend $1000 on a cream-of-the-crop Baldwin unit, so I swallowed the big lump in my throat and hit the order button on this $65 Marks. We needed a mortise set and we needed it now. I was expecting an inferior product, and I was paying $600 for a skilled locksmith to install it (he had to cut a new mortise opening, which is where the bulk of the installation cost was-- if you are just utilizing an existing mortise opening, it won't cost you anything). I really had low expectations. Well, as it turns out, this is one solid mechanism!!! The mortise body is solid cast, not roll formed, and the side plate is solid brass. The knobs are a little bit on the cheap end of the spectrum, lightweight and thin, as are the escutcheon plates. They are brass plated, probably of some cheap metal, but hey, they look great as is. After living with it for a few months, I am more than pleased. Any notion of cheapness has eroded away after using the door for several months. The action feels very solid, the deadbolt engages and releases with a reassuring heavy-sounding click, and the spring tension on the knob feels just right. I can't understand how a $1000 set can feel or look much better than this $65 set. However, there are two areas where the cheapness shows. First, the deadbolt is not "saw proof". The high end Baldwins and Schlages have titanium rod-fortified deadbolts. But who cares? When was the last time a thief sawed your deadbolt? Anyone who breaks into your house is either going to kick your door in, find an open window, or break a window. Second-- and this is where my tip comes in: the striker plate (the piece that screws onto your door jamb and the deadbolt slides into) comes with very short screws. THIS is a potential security weakness, as the door can be kicked in without that plate being fortified. The more expensive brands include a reinforced plate, and 3" long screws that go deep into the door frame. SO... I asked my locksmith if he could not install cheap Marks plate, but install a stronger one. He had a bunch in his truck, and was able to install a nice reinforced one, with 3" screws, and didn't even charge me more. So, in that respect, my $65 Marks has been brought up to the same security level as the more expensive brands. My locksmith also told me that if the thin metal knobs become dented, he can swap them out for more solid ones... they're not proprietary.I can't think of any reason to give this less than 5 stars. Sure the decorative bits are not as solid and heavy as a $1000 Baldwin or Schlage, but the core mechanism feels perfectly solid, smooth operating, and overall satisfying... all for a lock that cost less than 1/10th the price of the big names!

Used on historical (1906) thinner exterior door

As a resort owner, I have installed over $1000 worth of locks over the last two years. I had a door with a Mortise type lock that a previous owner butchered by putting in standard door knobs, so I decided to go back with a Mortise product. This is by far the best door knob set I have ever installed, and is probably the lowest priced commercial quality knob set I've seen. I will be looking at installing more of these in the future even if they are a little more work to install. This thing has easily 2x the metal of anything else I've installed, and feels like a tank of a lock set. You can order these with different type of key sets also.

The cassette is impressive, and functions well. The knobs are a little thinly made but work great. If you know how to bore for a cassette lock it’s a good value.

Great deal. Very well made

This exactly replaced a lock we have been using for many many years. 30 or so. The new lock is working great and the key fits perfectly and works easily. That's why we needed a new one, the key was hard to use and our cat sitter had a few problems getting in the house. This looks great. My husband installed it.

Doesn't work low tongue.

With the Marks 91A-LH Mortise Lock I can comfortably sleep at night knowing my family will be safe from any danger from the outside.The directions were very clear making it easy to install.My wife came home and instantly insisted we have another child she was so impressed with my handy work.The value for the money is exceptional. The craftsmanship is so fine I can only assume I got this for a steal. I almost feel guilty.I recommend this lock for anyone who loves the indoors and is trying to keep anyone or anything out.