Need info on Slaymaker Lock!!!!

SCDigginWithAK

I cant figure out how to upload pics from my computer. But anyways, I found a lock like this while metal detecting. its exactly like it. I know its a Slaymaker but other than that I know nothing. What years were these types made? What were they used on(ex. trunks, closets etc.), and any other info. Also if you show a pic of the key that would be great! Thanks in advance.

SCDigginWithAK

I got this pic off of google images by the way

Pschiffe

I have no idea when your padlock was made but I can tell you that the Slaymaker Lock Co. of Lancaster, PA; known successively as S.R. Slaymaker, Slaymaker-Barry Co., Slaymaker Lock Co., Friam-Slaymaker Hardware Co. and Slaymaker Lock Co., Inc. opened in 1888 and produced high quality padlocks designed to meet every conceivable need*. They went out-of-business in 1986 after nearly a century of service. Yours appears to be a lever tumbler mechanism and would have likely used a flat steel key similar to Ilco #E375, see attached thumbnail.

*adapted from Locks and Lockmakers of America, rev. 3rd edition, by Thomas F. Hennessy

Brey

Found this blurry picture of your lock w/ a key from AntiquesNavigator…but couldn’t find a patent on it.

http://www.antiquesnavigator.com/ebay/images/2011/260762688814.jpg

timof5stars

I’m a fan of the older Slaymaker locks. Many look very nice and they can be collected for a fairly small investment. I can confirm what Pschiffe said regarding the key for this lock. Flat keys that fit these locks are very easy to find. Here’s a lock from my collection that is similar:

Almost all Slaymaker locks are notoriously easy to open. If you buy a pound or 2 of the old flat keys, they’ll likely be at least a couple that work.

I recent came across a laminated steel Slaymaker I’d never seen before:

But my all time favorite to date is this Fraim-Slaymaker that I’ve been unable to discover anything about::

Kent

Pschiffe wrote
I have no idea when your padlock was made but I can tell you that the Slaymaker Lock Co. of Lancaster, PA; known successively as S.R. Slaymaker, Slaymaker-Barry Co., Slaymaker Lock Co., Friam-Slaymaker Hardware Co. and Slaymaker Lock Co., Inc. opened in 1888 and produced high quality padlocks designed to meet every conceivable need*. They went out-of-business in 1986 after nearly a century of service. Yours appears to be a lever tumbler mechanism and would have likely used a flat steel key similar to Ilco #E375, see attached thumbnail.

*adapted from Locks and Lockmakers of America, rev. 3rd edition, by Thomas F. Hennessy

do you know when the name changers were made??

[unknown]

Pschiffe

Kent wrote
do you know when the name changers were made??

Sorry, no; the cited reference does not include dates although there is more info about the company on pgs. 75-76 if interested.

Pete Schifferli

[unknown]

Kent

Pschiffe wrote
Sorry, no; the cited reference does not include dates although there is more info about the company on pgs. 75-76 if interested.

Pete Schifferli

if I find out I will post it here. It would be valuable to collectors to date their locks and keys

[unknown]

Kent

Kent wrote
if I find out I will post it here. It would be valuable to collectors to date their locks and keys

I had some information in my RAILWAY PASS & GUIDE magazine published in in 1989

1888 - 1890 S.R. Slaymaker?
1890 - July 2, 1894 Slaymaker, Barry & Co
July 3, 1894 - 1900 Slaymaker Barry Co sold out to The Baldwin Automobile Manufacturing Co
In 1900 Samual R. Slaymaker purchased the original Lancaster property and went back in business
1900 - October 23, 1907 S.R. Slaymaker
October 24, 1907 - February 24, 1917 Slaymaker Lock Manufacturing Corp. (company dissolved)
In 1917 SR Slaymaker and WE Fraim formed a new company
1917 -1921 Slaymaker Lock Co in 1921 WE Fraim bought out SR Slaymaker
1921 - 1929?? Fraim-Slaymaker Co

not sure of the 1929 endpoint and Slaymaker came back in the picture and the company lasted until 1986

[unknown]

Timothy

Not sure if the patent number but look close enough to match the padlock you have.

us981784.pdf

245kB