Need Help To Identify This Lock

1mountainofgod

This lock was purchased in an antique store, in Arkansas, in 1937. That is all I know of its history. I would like to know what it was used for and who made it? Anyone up to the challenge?

Paul Prescott

It’s known as a screw key lock. It’s an early form of padlock. The big problem with this type of lock is that they are still being made today (mostly in India) however the quality of them is quite poor.

Yours looks good & solid so it must have some ago to it. As to where & when it was made I have no idea & unless it is marked no-one will be able to say for sure.

It may have been nearly new when it was purchased in the 30’s, or it could have been 50, 100 or 150 years old at that time.

Petere76

The lock is a screw type (internaly threaded key). This style lock was commonly used for handcuffs in the 1800’s and well into the 1900s. Your particular lock bears a similar structural resemblace (shape) to the handcuffs produced by an early American manufacturer by the name of (Elias Richard). There was lttle copyright protection in those days so anyone could have duplicated the mechnism. Frequently locks of this type were on the end of multi use gang chains. Try handcuffs.org for more information and associated links.

oldbiscuit

I’ve read somewhere that these were used by the railroads on track switches in the 1800’s. I’ve never been interested in screw key locks so I’m no expert. Anyone else have an opinion?

eladi71

I think I saw exactly the same one in a locksmith business in New York City, try to contact them and ask about it. this is their url: http://www.new-yorklocksmith.com

Good Luck