Neat old lock

[ScottyB]

Was hunting an old park with my good buddy Bucknut and found this 1800's US Customs lock. It almost blew up my Nox at about 5 inches, and I'm really surprised no one ever found it before me. I may contact the local Museum and see if they want it. It's kinda cool though. I also found another buff and a 1901 Indian at a couple other spots this past week - no Silver though (darn it!).

 

[ScottyB]

Still figuring out how inserting photos work here. The 1902 is an old find, tried to delete it but can't figure out how.

 

[Tony Two-Cent]

That old padlock is awesome! I've never seen one like it. Can you make out the patent date at the bottom?

I will delete the 1902 Indian for you.

 

[ScottyB]

Thanks Tony. It reads "PATENTED Jan.18 and Nov. 29 1870". There is actually quite a bit of documentation about this particular lock. They had Glass seals to prevent tampering, and they were made in batches of 50, with a single key to open all 50 locks in the batch. The original order from the US Government was for 1000 locks, with 12 additional glass seals per lock, at a cost of $60.00 per dozen locks. Order dated September 20, 1870 from the office of Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury.

 

[Oneil1979]

Very nice lock with a lot of detail and even more history. Always enjoy finding old locks very rarely in such good condition especially for its age.

 

[Bucknut]

Glad you posted this because I knew there are many people here who will like to see this relic. I think it is very cool and would make a interesting pc in your collection.

 

[Full Metal Digger]

COOLEST LOCK I have ever seen! Absolute beauty. Congrats and HH, Dave.

 

[aloldstuff]

Fantastic lock. Your research is appreciated. Display it proudly....:thumbsup02:

 

[OxShoeDrew]

Holy cow!!! What a great lock!! Congrats! :shocked04:

 

[Digger_O'Dell]

Very cool lock! Love it when there is good documentation to find too. Thanks for the research!

 

[Lodge Scent]

That is a beauty !

 

[BTV Digger]

Wonderful old lock and great back story! Don't you love researching the history of your finds? I sure do!

john

 

[ScottyB]

Thanks for all the comments everyone. All I have used to clean it up so far is a nylon brush and water. I would really like to clean the sides and front better, so any tips would be appreciated. I am not a "Relic" guy, so this piece really doesn't mean that much to me, but I would like to clean it up better.

 

[Robbie]

Thanks for all the comments everyone. All I have used to clean it up so far is a nylon brush and water. I would really like to clean the sides and front better, so any tips would be appreciated. I am not a "Relic" guy, so this piece really doesn't mean that much to me, but I would like to clean it up better.

Nice find Scotty, I used brasso to clean mine