I just found a padlock dated 1912 and a 1942 wheat cent

[ringding]

I was out this morning for a couple of hours and I was in a part of town that had a school there in 1852. I found three padlocks. Two were broke (someone broke them?). The other one says: "UUNKUNC BROS. MFRS R><L PAT. OCT 29 1912 CHICAGO ILL. I also found a 1942 wheat cent. Wahoo, I am on a roll with wheat cents now that I got that first one out of the way.

 

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[PBK]

I found three padlocks...one says: "UUNKUNC BROS. MFRS R><L PAT. OCT 29 1912 CHICAGO ILL.

Hey, Ringding... sounds like you had a heck of a hunt!

The 1912 patent lock should read "JUNKUNC." The company was founded by John Junkunc, a Hungarian railroad machinist who came to the U.S. in the early 1900's. He invented the first dial combination lock. They're still in business, now operating as:

American Lock Co.
3400 W Exchange Rd.,
Crete IL 60417, United States
http://www.americanlock.com

 

[Southcacalaky]

Not Bad, Art...

 

[ringding]

PBK, I forgot to mention that the site was near some railroad tracks. It wouldn't be unreasonable to guess that that lock may have been the first in his line of combination padlocks would it?

 

[PBK]

PBK, I forgot to mention that the site was near some railroad tracks.

Any initials (railroad reporting marks) on the other locks— something like, " __ & __ RR" or " __ __ RY"?

If there's nothing on the case, check to see if anything's stamped on the shackle or the drop (keyhole cover). More often it's just a manufacturer's mark, but quite a few railroads marked them, too.

 

[LizardQueen]

Very cool finds. I love it when I find the old stuff.

 

[mchamby]

Great find, I aways like finding a wheat penny too. Keep a swinging.
Mchamby

 

[trk5capt]

Nice Finds, Congrats. trk5capt...