- Joined
- Nov 23, 2012
- Messages
- 457
- Reaction score
- 1,530
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- Location
- Southwest Idaho
- 🏆 Honorable Mentions:
- 1
- Detector(s) used
- Minelab CTX3030
Minelab E-trac
Minelab Equinox 80
Deus II
- Primary Interest:
- Metal Detecting
I had time to do some electrolysis on the padlock I found at one of the western Indian Wars fort sites I have permission for. It cleaned up really well. I think if I can find someone to make a key it might even open.
I was able to do some research on it while it was in my electrolysis tank. The lock is a Model No. 1875, called the "John Chinaman". It was patented on Oct 11, 1878 by a John Gerard for the Trenton Lock & Hardware Company.
It's what is called a story lock. In this one John has stolen a bottle of whiskey through the window of a shop. You can see the bottle in his pocket. The shop owner's dog has latched onto John's leg alerting the shop owner whose hand is reaching to retrieve the whiskey.
I can't find info on how many were produced, but they are highly valuable. Some, with a key, have sold for over $6000. Without keys they sell in the $600-2000 range.
Here are some pictures after I cleaned it and put some Renaissance Wax on it. The last photo is one I found online with a key. I'm pretty excited to add it to my collection.
I was able to do some research on it while it was in my electrolysis tank. The lock is a Model No. 1875, called the "John Chinaman". It was patented on Oct 11, 1878 by a John Gerard for the Trenton Lock & Hardware Company.
It's what is called a story lock. In this one John has stolen a bottle of whiskey through the window of a shop. You can see the bottle in his pocket. The shop owner's dog has latched onto John's leg alerting the shop owner whose hand is reaching to retrieve the whiskey.
I can't find info on how many were produced, but they are highly valuable. Some, with a key, have sold for over $6000. Without keys they sell in the $600-2000 range.
Here are some pictures after I cleaned it and put some Renaissance Wax on it. The last photo is one I found online with a key. I'm pretty excited to add it to my collection.
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