U.S. Padlock???

[metaldetectingtaylor]

Does anyone know what era this is from and what it was used for? Thanks!

 

[KJW]

The Font looks old. I don't know what it is. I could only find newer looking padlocks with U.S. on them and then one old one from the indian wars that says US. I think you padlock looks very interesting. Did you dig it?

http://restraintsblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/us-indian-wars-calvery-canteen-shape.html

http://www.charleslocksmith.com/Small_Padlocks.htm

What size is it?

Kris

 

[metaldetectingtaylor]

Yes I did dig it at a home where I found a 1772 King George half penny so it has historic potential. It measures 1 1/2 X 2 inches

 

[TomPA]

I'm guessing from the postal service. Maybe 1890's.

 

[Breezie]

Here's your lock:

http://www.antiquesnavigator.com/d-60025/antique-us-padlock-and-key.html

Breezie

 

[Tony in SC]

I remember from an ol old post that US was the company that made the lock. It had nothing to do with the US government. Still a very nice old lock. Tony

 

[metaldetectingtaylor]

Thanks for all the info and insight.
Breezy, that is indeed my lock but there is no description on it

 

[Breezie]

Thanks for all the info and insight.
Breezy, that is indeed my lock but there is no description on it

Tony is correct. Here is a website that gives information about the US locks even though those pictured (pancake) are not quite like yours. Could you post a pic of the key hole?

http://home.southwind.net/~drcwks/usarmywarded.html

Breezie

 

[metaldetectingtaylor]

heres the keyhole:

 

[Kenosha Kid]

Here's your lock:

http://www.antiquesnavigator.com/d-60025/antique-us-padlock-and-key.html

Breezie

You might be able to track down the manufacturer by the key in the link that Breezie posted. It looks like lettering on the key but I can't make out anything but ?LA and then a Y or X. It's a long shot but it's an unusual key, too.

 

[Breezie]

Here's your lock:

http://www.antiquesnavigator.com/d-60025/antique-us-padlock-and-key.html

Breezie

You might be able to track down the manufacturer by the key in the link that Breezie posted. It looks like lettering on the key but I can't make out anything but ?LA and then a Y or X. It's a long shot but it's an unusual key, too.

Great idea! Breezie

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Nice all brass padlock. The manufacturer was E.T. Fraim.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Tip of the day: sometimes the best place to search is right here at TN in the old "What Is It" posts. http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,121610.0.html

...It's a warded brass padlock made around 100-110 years ago. Most aren't marked, but Franklin M. Arnall's 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 local 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," "RR" (for Rural Route), and other official-looking names that were sold for the same purpose.

 

[metaldetectingtaylor]

Wow I greatly appreciate everyone's help. This answers all my questions thanks again!

 

[Kenosha Kid]

Tip of the day: sometimes the best place to search is right here at TN in the old "What Is It" posts. http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,121610.0.html

Sometimes we like punishing ourselves with all the useless info a google search gives.

Your ID of it being a Fraim lock led to what is most likely the letters on the key :

You might be able to track down the manufacturer by the key in the link that Breezie posted. It looks like lettering on the key but I can't make out anything but ?LA and then a Y or X. It's a long shot but it's an unusual key, too.

http://collections-adamalif.blogspot.com/2010/10/vintage-brass-fraim-padlock.html

"Sons Walter E and Samuel R entered the business, and took over upon ET's death in 1917. However, by 1920 Samuel bought out Walter. Within a year Walter bought a major interest in Slaymaker Lock Co, and formed Fraim-Slaymaker Hardware Co."

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Your ID of it being a Fraim lock led to what is most likely the letters on the key :

Im sorry I didnt study the posted links. This lock has been found by many TN members over the years and it holds up well underground. The pic is from my padlock book. My guess on a date range is 1890-1915.

The letters on the key mean what? Im sorry I dont understand. I cant even see any lettering on the key.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,279805.0.html

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,35973.0.html

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,285051.0.html

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,121610.0.html

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,233079.0.html

 

[Kenosha Kid]

Your ID of it being a Fraim lock led to what is most likely the letters on the key :

Im sorry I didnt study the posted links. This lock has been found by many TN members over the years and it holds up well underground. The pic is from my padlock book. My guess on a date range is 1890-1915.

The letters on the key mean what? Im sorry I dont understand.

I'd suggested (before your ID) that it might be possible to ID the lock by the letters on the key in Breezie's link. Of course, the key shown may not have originally gone to that lock shown but from what I saw, "?LA and then a Y or X", it might say "SLAYMAKER" on the key. Just an attempt to ID this by another means. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain ...

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Your ID of it being a Fraim lock led to what is most likely the letters on the key :

Im sorry I didnt study the posted links. This lock has been found by many TN members over the years and it holds up well underground. The pic is from my padlock book. My guess on a date range is 1890-1915.

The letters on the key mean what? Im sorry I dont understand.

I'd suggested (before your ID) that it might be possible to ID the lock by the letters on the key in Breezie's link. Of course, the key shown may not have originally gone to that lock shown but from what I saw, "?LA and then a Y or X", it might say "SLAYMAKER" on the key. Just an attempt to ID this by another means. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain ...

Ah OK thanks for explaining. 8) I agree use any clue but I still cant see the letters on the key. I guess its my eyes. http://www.antiquesnavigator.com/d-60025/antique-us-padlock-and-key.html http://www.antiquesnavigator.com/d-60025/antique-us-padlock-and-key.html