Steel padlock, South Africa

BlackPebble

This steel padlock was found near Rand Airport, Germiston, South Africa.

I have not been able to find any information on it’s origin or manufacturer, does anyone have any knowledge of this particular lock?

Information inscribed on the body. Hand Made, 4 levers, Eden & Co, in British Empire, Quality No. 136. There is also a stand alone number 225 in the top right corner.

I would appreciate any knowledge.

Thanks and regards

Neil Parkin

Scott Klemm

I’ve never heard of an Eden & Co. lock manufacturer, but I strongly suspect that it was made in India that had been part of the British Empire. And, of course, many Indians came to South Africa including Gandhi as a young man. It probably came from Aligarh that was the center of the Indian lock trade. Your padlock has the same shape and rivet positions as a large Polar (B) padlock from Aligarh.

BlackPebble

Thank you Scott,
Could you perhaps tell me when this particular design the Polar (b) type was first used? This one could very well have been made in India as you have pointed out. The lock was opened up by my brother when we were small kids without much regard, and this is how we made up the key. As can be seen in the picture the rivets are not original and have been replaced rather clumsily!

Regards
Neil Parkin