Jungle King Master Padlock

sam26

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me out. I found a Master Jungle King Padlock, pin tumbler brass cylinder No 88, mint condition still in the original box with keys. On the lock itself it has a lion and the numbers 8193 (that # is also on the keys), on the back of the box it looks like it was stamped 1932. Does anyone think this is worth anything?

Billy B Edwards Jr. CML

The number 88 brass version of the Jungle King was first produced in August, 1932 and it’s manufacture was discontinued in the late 1930’s. It is significantly more rare than the steel version number 77 which was manufactured until 1978.
BBE.

Dean Nickel

I think Billy is saying yes it is worth something. 8-) How much someone is willing to pay is another matter.

sam26

Thank you for the information. Not having a clue about its value I couldn’t possibly sell it myself, what would be my next step? Should I contact an auction house?

Paul Prescott

I can say with a high degree of certainty that a normal auction house will have no idea either. Locks are a highly specialised field with a very limited market and a regular sale is not the best way to get the best price.

There is a specialist auctioneer who deals in such matters :

http://www.schofieldauction.com/

and many serious collectors take the catalogues for their sales. Whether the item is going to be the sort of item they would handle, or best listed on ebay I cannot say this particular lock being outside my area of interest / specific knowledge.

Perhaps BBE could suggest a ballpark value ?

****** Edited after posting - I checked and it’s been a while since they did a lock auction, maybe they are not in the business anymore ??? ********

Dean Nickel

I would think that eBay would be the best way. As to the value…. I would think that it would depend on the wording of the advertisment on eBay. Good pictures are always a good addition. If they can see it they will bid. Wording is also important. Words in this case I would use: Master Padlock, Jungle King #88, Rare brass padlock, Collectable antique, Lion Head (if the key has the lion head on it). This way the search will find your lock if they tag one or more of those words. Right now might not be the time to unload a rare padlock when some collectors may be on hard times. Just some things to think about.

After going on eBay I found most collectable master padlocks range from $6 to $35 with the average of $9 to $12. If I was to take Billy’s info I would put it in the upper range.