Not sure what this antique segment of metal find is, but my research shows.....

[Lorrain.]

that D.M are the initials of Davenport & Mallory, an hardware Co whose factory was in New Haven , Ct. in the early-mid 1800's.

I found this piece yesterday, and electrolyzed it to see the initials.

I 'm posting the info on this forum as a follow-up to yesterday's finds.

My research shows that the D.M & Co was started in 1834 ..manufactured door locks, knobs, paddlocks, etc.

In 1865 its name was changed as a result of a family estate buy out.

"Sargent & Co., of New York, in its advertisement in September
1863 in Hardware Reporter and Iron and Steel Manufacturers' Circular
(later to become Iron Age) mentioned that it was sales agent
for Davenport, Mallory & Co., "manufacturers of door locks,
knobs, padlocks, etc.", whose factory was in New Haven. Initially
the agency excepted the cities of Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Those exceptions did not continue for long, for the 1866 Sargent
catalogue stated that Sargent & Co. was then sole agent. Davenport,
Mallory & Co. had been founded as Pierpont & Hotchkiss in
1834, and in 1865 was thought to be the largest lock manufacturer
in the United States. It was the first in this country, in 1835 under
the Hotchkiss patent, to use a coiled spring in a lock or latch to protract the latch bolt.
When John Davenport Wheeler in 1868 purchased from his uncle's estate one-tenth interest (showing
a total valuation of $350,000 for the firm) the name was changed to Mallory, Wheeler & Co."


Here's pics of this item found yesterday at the beach.

I'm thinking that it is part of a padlock, but not sure....

Thanks for looking

Lorraine

 

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[Old_Okie]

looks like a key hole cover from a lock to me.

always enjoy your follow-up to finds.

old_okie