Mackaydon said:
Harry Soref and two friends, P.E. Yolles and Sam Stahl, began the Master Lock Company in 1921. He patented the first laminated padlock in 1924. Master Lock marketed the padlock using a lion's head logo for name recognition.
You may wish to contact Master Lock Company direct (800-464-2088) and ask them.
Does the key have a number on the reverse side?
Don....
maybe I can help,
The lion's head trademark was first used in September,
1923, when it was applied to Master padlock packages.
An application for its patent as a trademark was filed
in May, 1925, and granted in September, 1926. The
lion's head eventually took on a shaggier, more
ferocious appearance.
To Harry, the lion was the most respected animal -
Number One, strong, top cat, and king of the jungle.
It was just the image be wanted for his newly patented
laminated padlock. In addition to the logo, Harry
frequently used lions, tigers, and other jungle scenes in
the company's early advertising.
Harry also used a full lion body at times for trademark
purposes. The key accompanying this commemorative
lock is the same design that began to appear in 1931.
The patent was applied for in October, 1931, and
registered in March, 1937. An original die was used to
cast this commemorative key.
The lion's head continued to be used on only one lock,
the Master Lock No. 7? wrought steel "shell" padlock,
until 1996, when it was taken out of production. This
trademark no longer appears on any Master Lock
products or promotional materials.
Bill
