As others have mentioned, the 6 lever referrs to the mechanism. Generally most better locks of the day used lever tumblers. The number of lever tumblers indicated a likely degree of pick resistance that was offered as well as the potential number of different keys that could be made.
There were two types of lever locks that were popular. The first type had a keyhole in the face of the lock and accepted a key that turned to operate. Those keys were also two types, a single bit type and a double bit type. The single bit type has an appearance much like a key to a US safe deposit box key and the double bit key was typically a round shaft with a winglike projection from opposite sides at the working end. There were also a few flat double bitted keys but they were more rare. The numbers of lever tumblers ranged from 4 to 8.
Since yours bears the brand name Sargent and the description 6 lever it is most likely the double bitted key that enters a keyhole in the face of the lock. Depending upon the condition of the lock and if you have an original key those locks sell on Ebay today within the range of $15 to $50.
The second type of lever key is the push type. Those keys are typically flat and the cuts are on the end of the key which gets pushed into the lock. When the keys are pushed far enough into the lock the lever tumbler gates are aligned with a fence and that allows the lock to operate. The push type is typically 4 or 6 levers.
Probably more than you wanted to know but hopefully it will help.
BBE.
Jack Sullivan wroteI recently added a Sargent 6-lever padlock (with 2 keys) to my collection & immediately noticed that the term ‘6-lever’ is more of a geneic term for a type or design of padlock than a tradename. I’ve seen Harvard, Eagle, Fraim & other makers’ 6-lever locks. I apologize if this question has been asked & answered before but I’m interested in finding out about the origins & use of this design & the term ‘6-lever.’ Thanks!
Jack
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