Old Yale/Y&T lock

[lenmac65]

Found an old Yale padlock about 2 or 3 inches down in an old farm field. My first lock, which will make for a nice shed decoration. Rang up loud and clear. Stamped Yale & Towne Mfg. Co., and Stamford Conn. USA, on lock handle. I am thinking early 1900's, but I am not sure. Any ideas? Thanks for the insights. Happy Hunting.

 

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[Digger RJ]

Nice!!! Congrats!!!

 

[Squirrel322]

Thats a great lock!

 

[MetalArchSC]

I have one just like it... It was given to me by my grandmother’s sister 25 years ago. Given her birth year... probably early 1900’s I’m betting.

 

[Cantstopdigging]

Contact the lock museum. They can help you identify it, and they might be able to photo copy a page from the Yale catalog. They might also give you clues to what the key would have looked like. Try to get it working again!

 

[Steve in PA]

Nice lock. My guess as to age would be 1940s-50s.

 

[RVRoamer74]

Nice dig on that old lock. Yep, that will make a nice display. Congrats!

 

[Trezurehunter]

Nice old padlock. They do make great display items.

 

[A2coins]

Nice find and good shape bet theres lots more goodies there.

 

[boogeyman]

Fun locks to restore! There's two pins in the side that need to be driven out to access the cylinder etc. The tumblers are a larger diameter so you may need to fabricate some from brazing rod if you key it to a found / bought blank. You can still buy the blanks, but they just don't look right. Do a search for "push key" to get drawings etc. I've had good results hanging them in my ultra sonic cleaner full of WD-40. Replace the pins after re-assembly and use some liver of sulphur to restore the patina.

 

[Brendan75]

Hi, nice find Congrats

 

[Joe-Dirt]

My guess would be turn of the century, but I actually have no clue. Very nice recovery. I found a Wal-co pad lock the other day and it looks to be made of either zinc or pot metal, weird.

 

[lenmac65]

Contact the lock museum. They can help you identify it, and they might be able to photo copy a page from the Yale catalog. They might also give you clues to what the key would have looked like. Try to get it working again!

That's a great idea; thanks! I found a lock museum on line. I will have to take some better photos and submit them. Just a matter of finding the time, as I am busy with work, home, family, and, of course, digging!

 

[lenmac65]

Fun locks to restore! There's two pins in the side that need to be driven out to access the cylinder etc. The tumblers are a larger diameter so you may need to fabricate some from brazing rod if you key it to a found / bought blank. You can ......

I wish I was smart enough to do all that, as it would be nice to restore this item and maybe get it working somehow. Thanks for the tips .. maybe someday I will work up the courage to tinker with the lock.

 

[boogeyman]

I wish I was smart enough to do all that, as it would be nice to restore this item and maybe get it working somehow. Thanks for the tips .. maybe someday I will work up the courage to tinker with the lock.

DON'T sell yourself short! The hardest thing is locating the pins on the side of the lock. Using liver of sulphur to get the patina to look right just takes a couple of tries till you get it where you want it. OH! btw when working with the liver of sulphur, do it outside. The wife & other occupants of the house will appreciate it. My grandfather (locksmith) gave me some when I was young (8yrs old) and the only instructions were, "Fix em and make keys for em. Let me know when you're done......" So, I know you can do it!

 

[madmantrapper]

The company moved to Philly in 1931 so it is older than that. It is my guess it is from the late 1800's.

 

[Inspector]

Great looking lock, congratulations on your 1st & saving it, GL & HH

 

[secondstar]

Nice relic!

 

[William Korkshire]

How old it is? Usually, these locks are often made by skilled locksmiths in the past and possess a level of craftsmanship and artistry that is hard to find in today's mass-produced locks. Locksmith Castelnau, who has experience working with antique locks, can attest to their value as not only functional pieces but also as decorative items.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Nice one !