age of mail lock?

[oddcoins]

Hello!

I dug this near Western Oregon University in Monmouth Oregon a few weeks ago. Old brass pad lock that reads RFD on one side and MAIL on the other side. It is about 1.5 inches wide and about 2.25 inches tall.

Can anyone tell me the age of this lock? When were these made/used?

THANKS!
Neil

 

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[duggap]

I believe it is around 1900 to 1920. I am just guessing from some that I have found. I have one almost exactly like yours and everything we dug was turn of the century.

 

[Wildcat1750]

Interesting find! Were these locks related to the postal service or is the naming just a coincidence?

 

[AU Seeker]

Here's one like yours, but no info on age or manufacturer.

Vintage RFD House Mail Box Padlock Lock Brass Old NM

And another with little info.

RFD Warded padlock, Antique Brass Mail Padlock, No Reserve

 

[Lafitte Deux]

I'd say up to the 20's. These locks were purchased from a private company, not USPS, to lock rural mailboxes.
I'll post again if I remember the name of the lock company.

Edit: I think the company was E Fraim, but I could be wrong.

 

[cw0909]

"RFD/Mail Padlocks - A thru Z"
RFD/Mail Padlocks - A thru Z - Antique Padlocks

a list of US and British patent numbers
and their dates.
US Patent Dates