PADLOCK

[JIMMY555]

Could some one tell me how old this is and maybe a bit of history about it. It is small and thin and has a 1 and a 2 on the top part of the lock. Thanks

[doublet2a]

I believe it's a U.S. Postal Service lock.
I would say late 1800's - early 1900's
I'm sure I will be proved wrong though


Tim

[PBK]

Neat lock!

This "US" warded brass padlock was made around 100-110 years ago. Most aren't marked, but Franklin M. Arnall's book, The Padlock Collector, identifies the maker as the E. T. Fraim Lock Co. of Lancaster, PA. Although it's sometimes listed as a lock from a U.S. mail bag, and on eBay some sellers have also called it a military lock, in fact it was a retail item sold in hardware stores and mail order catalogs— not an official government lock. "US" was just the model name. When RFD mail delivery began, many people bought these "US" locks to use on rural mailboxes. There were also locks with "MAIL," "RFD," "RR" (for Rural Route), and other official-looking names that were sold for the same purpose.

[Tony in SC]

The US government did use locks like that but sometimes they were also market it with the branch of service. I'm thinking that it was made by the US Lock co. Tony

[JIMMY555]

HI I just saw this on ebay and it looks just like mine.He said cival war era, can this be true?

[vayank54]

I don't think they are civil war. Probably like someone else said late 1800's early 1900's. As far as I know they aren't made right to be civil war period

[Ironman!]

PBK has your lock pegged!

Ironman

[Woodland Detectors]

Sweet looking lock there sir.

[Bigcypresshunter]

Neat lock!

This "US" warded brass padlock was made around 100-110 years ago. Most aren't marked, but Franklin M. Arnall's book, The Padlock Collector, identifies the maker as the E. T. Fraim Lock Co. of Lancaster, PA. Although it's sometimes listed as a lock from a U.S. mail bag, and on eBay some sellers have also called it a military lock, in fact it was a retail item sold in hardware stores and mail order catalogs— not an official government lock. "US" was just the model name. When RFD mail delivery began, many people bought these "US" locks to use on rural mailboxes. There were also locks with "MAIL," "RFD," "RR" (for Rural Route), and other official-looking names that were sold for the same purpose.

PBK is correct. Its in my book. Look closley at the name on the shackle. NOT Civil War. Its a generic retail lock sold out of mail order catalogs. Nice old brass lock.