19th Century Vintage Padlock

[mariposagold]

I'd been eyeing this site with curiosity for a few years pondering the likelihood that it might hold some Gold Rush era treasure. So I finally decided to check it out. Giving the "on and off" long awaited rains here in California, I decided to take my Whites Classic instead of my MXT Pro for fear rain may damage the more expensive machine.

The path to where I wanted to hunt was probably 100 yards or less, up a slight incline, then down to a water runoff between the hills. So I hunt my way that direction. Knowing the Classic single tone machine means I pretty much have to dig everything that gives me a signal. With discrimination turned way down, I am to do just that.

I start digging nails, lots of them, all square nails. Some in very nice shape and various sizes.


I start working down the hill. Toward the bottom where it's like a seasonal creek. Just before I got to the bottom of the hill, I get a huge signal. Thinking to myself, beer can, scrap iron, junk junk junk. I dig this beauty up.


My first vintage lock. Cleaning Tips appreciated.
Appears to be identical to a M&W Co. However, Mine only says W & Co. Don't know why that is.

Here is one I found online.

Antique Heart Lock Padlock Mallory by UrbanRenewalDesigns

Thanks for looking and enjoying my excitement.

MariposaGold.

 

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[treblehunter]

Go back and get the strongbox that was on! Ha, nice find.

 

[creade]

I found 1 of those in september. I love the look of those old locks. Cool find

 

[mariposagold]

Go back and get the strongbox that was on! Ha, nice find.

Definitely on the radar for another hunt real soon.

 

[Mackaydon]

We had a similar request several years ago on TNet. The response was this:
"W & Co." on the drop (keyhole cover), which identifies the maker as Wilcox & Company (a.k.a. William Wilcox & Company) of Middletown, CT, c. 1845-75; later, from 1875 to 1910, the firm was known as the William Wilcox Manufacturing Company.
Source: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/36222-railroad-lock-new-site.html
Don.....

 

[Msbeepbeep]

Nice old goodies congrats!

 

[mariposagold]

We had a similar request several years ago on TNet. The response was this:
"W & Co." on the drop (keyhole cover), which identifies the maker as Wilcox & Company (a.k.a. William Wilcox & Company) of Middletown, CT, c. 1845-75; later, from 1875 to 1910, the firm was known as the William Wilcox Manufacturing Company.
Source: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/36222-railroad-lock-new-site.html
Don.....

Wow, now that is certainly interesting. From what I gather, that would mean my lock would be 1875 or older. 20 years older than I anticipated. I'm hoping it produces more finds from that era.

Thanks for the information Don.

 

[mangum]

Sweet lock! Try this method I use. If you don't want to lose the patina on the lock use ONLY evaporust.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/t...ught-back-life-thanks-buckleboy-s-method.html

 

[mariposagold]

Sweet lock! Try this method I use. If you don't want to lose the patina on the lock use ONLY evaporust.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/t...ught-back-life-thanks-buckleboy-s-method.html

I'm going to have to give that a try on one of my non-hunt days. Perhaps during the next rainstorm, whenever that might happen.

Thanks Mangum

HH
MariposaGold.