Found a PRR Lock today!

[gunner45]

Well it looks like I caught the fever and have been having a blast detecting. I found this PRR (PA Rail Road) Lock today about 12 inches in the ground. My Garrett AT Pro picked it up at 88-90 and I thought it was silver but I'm just as satisfied with this.
I posted some pics and this is the first time doing so. I hope they come out alright.
I am new to all this so any input would be greatly appreciated. One question I do have is what is the best way to clean this, all I've done so far is clean it in water
Thanks

 

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[TENNESSEEGAL]

Wow Gunner! What an awesome piece! Great find!

 

[jrandy]

Thats gonna look good on the wall...

 

[ncsilverspider]

Once again, another amazing RR relic rescued from the ground by an excellent treasure hunter! That is a stellar lock! The lettering is incredible! That kind of lock, like most, is a switch lock, which were used to lock the track switch into place. Love the look and the color! What an amazing piece! I myself would not clean it; I'd leave it just like it is. If only that thing could talk! Congrats!

 

[ticm]

Man that's a beauty. A little cleaning and it's a wow in my book.

 

[artyfacts]

Fantastic lock and great save. I would leave it just like it is. Here is a site that has the largest data base of padlocks. Antique Padlocks By David Heuermann David is a master restorer of locks. Arty

 

[DeerStalker]

Awesome find! Congrats!

 

[PikesPeakCharlie]

 

[glenn63]

Super find! Railroad locks are very collectible and yours may be worth a few $$$.

 

[gunner45]

Thanks for all the encouragement about the find. I thought I'd give you some new pics of the lock all cleaned up. I didn't know if I should have cleaned it or not but after I saw how it looked I'm glad I did.
I just soaked it in a mild concentrate of Vinegar for several hours while closely watching it and then used a fine soft bristled brush to clean the excess off . Then I rubbed some vegetable oil on it and this is what it looks like.
Any input on my cleaning method would be appreciated. I hope I did it right and didn't screw anything up.

 

[glenn63]

Wow...looks really sharp.
I wouldn't mess with it anymore.

Glenn

 

[GetReal]

Congrats on the find, looks like it cleaned up pretty good