Old Combo Lock

rustylook56

Hello All, I got another lock I am looking for information, it seems to be old, I know its been in my collection since 1971, I did pick it after many attempts, so now I have the combanation, boy that was fun. there are no markings that I can find, I am not sure but it may be tin, I dont dare try to polish it, measures out at 1 ½″ tall and apx 1″ in dia. any idea on what age it may be? maker? worth? its been fun the last few days as I go thru the collection, I have a coffee can full of old keys, and just started going thru them, should I continue or are they not worth the time?

Brey

RustyLook,

I don’t know how helpful this will be for you but I found a patent that is “close” to what you have there. Nothing else came up in appearance closer than this from 1800-1950 from my search.

(Google Patents)
Patent number: 1497810
Filing date: Nov 28, 1882
Issue date: Jun 7, 1924

http://www.google.com/patents/US1497810?printsec=drawing&dq=combination+padlock&ei=zdcLULXPOYLZrAHp3fzGCg#v=onepage&q=combination%20padlock&f=false

The lock that this patent describes has teeth on one side of the shackle and that side is longer than the other. In the patent it was the side with the teeth that was longer but yours is opposite.
Also your shackle is simply rounded and you have less dials which reflects a shorter shackle to work with the body and of course less teeth.

I am not sure if these are the light cosmetic differences that qualify it under the same patent.

Other locks that look similar to yours:
http://www.antiquesnavigator.com/d-421455/vintage-unknown-combination-padlock-1116-cap-2-18.html
http://www.antiquesnavigator.com/d-442034/unusual-vintage-number-combination-padlock.html
http://www.antiquesnavigator.com/ebay/images/2011/250902684373.jpg

This was the only patent that this inventor filed.

With better quality pictures someone else might be able to help you out further.
GoodLuck!

_Brey

rustylook56

Brey, Thanks for information, they look close, I get the feeling this lock is not to old, it also seems not to well made, kind of like aftermarket, maybe a kids lock? I have had it maybe 40 years in my collection, its most likey not fake, I get the feeling its worth $7.00 to $10.00, I may offer it out and maybe I can find some keys for my other locks, Its always fun looking for items to add to my collection. Again Thanks

Billy B Edwards Jr. CML

rustylook56 wrote
Hello All, I got another lock I am looking for information, it seems to be old, I know its been in my collection since 1971, I did pick it after many attempts, so now I have the combanation, boy that was fun. there are no markings that I can find, I am not sure but it may be tin, I dont dare try to polish it, measures out at 1 ½″ tall and apx 1″ in dia. any idea on what age it may be? maker? worth? its been fun the last few days as I go thru the collection, I have a coffee can full of old keys, and just started going thru them, should I continue or are they not worth the time?

As noted by Brey the original patent is quite old. Once a patent expires many people will produce an inexpensive design if it can have a reasonable quality. I have always called this type of lock a ‘Donner’ lock simply because the first version of it I ever saw in the late 1960’s was made under the Donner brand. The mechanism is very similar to a key operated rotary disc tumbler and actually the same mechanism can be found in many locks produced today. Most of those are some form of cable lock or bike lock however Master Lock recently came out with a model that has a user settable combination and it is offered with numbered or lettered wheels. I believe they are models 1535D and 1535DWD respectively.

There are ways to enhance manipulation resistance in that mechanism but they are seldom implemented. It always makes you feel a sense of accomplishment when you open one.
BBE.

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