Identify this lock please

nns

Hi,
New member here. I registered in hopes someone here can provide information in regards to a style of lock that my grandfather used around the farm.
I have three of them and 1 key.
Hoping to find out what name is used for this type lock and possibly when they came into use.

oldbiscuit

The lock you have is called a “screw key gun rack lock”. They were used to secure military rifles in the gun racks in the billets. They’ve been around from the late 1800’s to the 1950’s.The ones you have are the later more common versions. You see them for sale on ebay quite often, usually around $25.Hope this helps, Mark

nns

Wow that was quick 🙂

So my grandpa probably brought them home after returning from WWII more than likely and then used them to secure things around the farm.. Cool
I have been using them to lock up my tool boxes as of late. Any reason not too?

Thanks for id’ing them.

oldbiscuit

They arn’t the most secure lock out there, but on a tool box who cares? It’ll keep the honest person from opening up the box,but the thief will either cut the hasp or the lock or just take the whole box.As far as picking it open, it is pretty easy to fabricate a key out of a piece of steel or copper tubing as all the locks have the same key. Your choice. Mark 🙂