I used to think Hammacher, Schlemmer & Co. made this lock but I now have some doubts. A hardware company that started in 1848 in the Bowery area of NY and still in buisness.
The name Herman Eiffler (also of the bowery area) and his 1867 pat. (#72378) showing the acorn shaped lock and a simple mechanism of no spring levers, comes into play. [Interesting to note his patent request doesn’t mention the shape of the lock with the sidwings, just the mechanical workings. Wonder if this case design predates him… and who Herman worked for?]
From what I learned of the company, they seemed to be more of a supplier than manufacture.
Vulcan Hardware Co., also seen on the shackle of these locks is hard to find info. on. Perhaps they were the manufacturer. I know there are several names on these locks but H.S.&Co. and Vulcan seem to be the most prevalent.
So…, hear are some things I am more sure of. The No. 111 is not for the patent, probably a model, stock, inventory, etc..
Yours is likely patented by Henry Haack [Also from NY,NY] in 1870 (#102810), a much advanced spring ever design. I wish I could find out who Henry worked for?
I’d guess the age in or around late 1880’s.
Truly a nice find… well done!
