A&W Padlock info needed!

amazing01

Hi everybody! I have bought about a dozen padlocks this week and I am looking for some info on one; it is an old A&W switch style lock. It looks like a typical switch lock but there are a few differences. #1, there is no clevis and no sign of any type of chain connector on it at all. #2, the lock is pretty thick and the shackle is kind of wide for this type of lock. #3, the raised spot on the back is not very high at all, it is barely taller than the rest of the backplate. The key post is quite big, as is the entire keyhole. There is a thick, heavy, dark patina on it so I can’t tell what material it is made of but I think it is brass. The keyhole cover says, “A&W Co Chicago” on it…..I have never heard of this company before; has anyone here ever heard of them? I have a lot of brass/bronze/copper switch locks and I have never seen one quite like this…..do I have something rare??? Here are some pics:

Any info on this find would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for looking! 🙂

Cheers, Mike D_C/

P.S. Here is a thought…….maybe this lock was the one that Allen and Wright used to lock up the first kegs of A&W Root Beer! :lol:

oldbiscuit

A & W Co. was the Adams and Westlake Co which started around 1857. Arnall’s book says that they started mfg padlocks with the aquisition of Union Brass & Mfg Co. in1887. the Adlake tradename was used from about 1910. So I would guess your lock was made between 1887 and 1910. I wouldn’t think it would be a railroad lock as most of those have the railroads name or initials on them. Your lock looks to be in pretty decent shape and is kind of rare so I would say you have a good buy on your hands. 🙂

amazing01

Thanks for your response! I would agree that it was probably not a RR lock….due mainly to the absense of a clevis. The lock is in working condition; I found it locked and was able to open it with one of my keys……the internal mechenism seems to be in great shape! The keyhole cover has a lot of spring left in it too, which is rare for such an old lock.

I just went back and counted; there are at least 15 new locks that were added to my collection this week (this is only 1 of a few really neat locks that I have never seen before). Watch for more posts!

Thanks again!

Cheers, Mike D_C/

amazing01

Here is a updated photo of this lock with a key I found for it!

Cheers, Mike D_C/