E.T. Fraim Combiination Padlock, Cat.32

mercurial

Here are some pictures of a combination padlock made by the E. T. Fraim Lock Company, catalogue number 32 & the original opening instructions.

The opening instructions say “To open the lock by sight…” - did they also offer instructions to open them by touch? ;-)

I would be interested to find out roughly how old this lock is.

…mercurial

macs_07

Nice little padlock, it is in better condition than the one I have. There was a version that operated by positive indication ie clicks so that you could start from 0 the turn a given number of clicks left and right to open the lock in the dark, poor eye sight or in a hidden position so people couldn’t see you dial the lock.

Very nice condition - thanks for posting

mercurial

I was lucky enough to get mine from a bike shop that found a whole box of them, still in original packaging stored in a back room - hence it being in unused condition. Unfortunately, they were in the storeroom years before he took ownership of the bike shop, so he was unable to give any indication as to its age.

Interesting to know that there was a version that clicked - I wasn’t aware of that!

…mercurial

———- Post added at 10:47 PM ———- Previous post was at 10:45 PM ———-

Surprised to see the first reply re this lock coming from another collector in Melbourne, being a Fraim lock!

theoldprospector

if you find a way to get the age of a lock from the serial number,please let me know.
theoldprospector@att.net

Pschiffe

mercurial wrote
Here are some pictures of a combination padlock made by the E. T. Fraim Lock Company, catalogue number 32 & the original opening instructions. I would be interested to find out roughly how old this lock is….mercurial

I have a catalog from a wholesale locksmith supplier c1937 that shows the No. 32 Friam, description: Size 1-⅝″. Opens by sight or click. Cast brass one piece case polished. Dial black and white numbered. Your lock appears to be die-cast with an enamel finish thus it is probably of later vintage, 1950s perhaps? The E.T. Friam Lock Co. of Lancaster, Pennsylvania was in business from 1879-1955.

Pete

[unknown]

theoldprospector

thank you very much. the serial # of the lock is 126.maybe thats old,or if it’s the same for all series 32.i’m just happy to have it.thanks again,
daniel