Need help please to identify lock !!!

[fourleaf]

Found this brass lock at 1800s house with Modern Miner...owner said there was a stagecoach that ran through property at one time. There are the initials E S S on the lockbar and on the front there is S.R. with an arrow going through it. Approximately 2.5 in. long and 2 in. wide with a nice bullet hole above the keyhole. Thanks in advance for your help identifying this item and have a happy holiday!

 

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[TEG]

You found a nice Southern Railway switch lock. The hole above the key hole is where a cover was attached. The cover swung out of the way to allow the key to be used, and helped prevent the entry of dirt into the mechanism. Congratulations!

 

[ModernMiner]

Fourleaf (James),
I told you that was a great find. Congrats to you. Here is some history on the Southern Railway:
http://www.srha.net/public/History/history.htm
Your lock could be from the late 1800's it looks like. Great looking piece. I'd personally mount that in a small shadowbox display.

TN Folks,
The RR tracks runs along side of this 1830's property, the same tracks that were there during the CW.

James,
I know you were getting frustrated with all the old nails in that area you found the lock, but don't give up. That was a great find, and I wish I would have hit that area a bit more myself.
Once you get your pinpointer, your digging will be a lot easier.
Congrats Dude,
Doug

 

[Mackaydon]

I agree it appears as a switch lock from the Southern Railway, but which Southern Railway. The arrow through the SR made me think of the SR railway in England--that has an arrow in its emblem, logo, etc. Take a look here:
(third pic from the bottom, especially).
http://www.southernsteamtrains.com/southern-bulleid-pacific.htm
Happy Thanksgiving,
Don...........

 

[JimmyT]

James,
Great lock and if you go to flea markets take your lock because the selling and or trading lock keys is very common. You might be able to find a nice brass key to open it up. They changed locks a lot so all Southern RR keys won't fit. By the way the engine picture I'm using was part of the Southern RR before it became the Norfork Southern RR.
Jimmy

 

[ModernMiner]

I agree it appears as a switch lock from the Southern Railway, but which Southern Railway. The arrow through the SR made me think of the SR railway in England--that has an arrow in its emblem, logo, etc. Take a look here:
(third pic from the bottom, especially).
http://www.southernsteamtrains.com/southern-bulleid-pacific.htm
Happy Thanksgiving,
Don...........

Don,
That is very interesting. That sure looks like the same arrow. Hmmmmmmmmm.
-MM-

 

[fourleaf]

it sure does, question is, how did it get there? I wonder who's initials those are!

Had a memorial day at the park about an hour ago 10 pennies and two dimes , sure is better than NAILS

Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[JimmyT]

Hi Fourleaf,
Some of the original logo's for the Southern RR had the arrow in them. I looked through all my things thought I had a pin with the logo on it but couldn't find it. Went to the Historical site and the logo is on the front page in the upper left corner. ( Http://www.SRHA.Net )

Take Care
JimmyT