Odd Keyless Padlock ?

[mojjax]

The knob moves only 1/8th of a turn (it does not unlock it). Seems strange that it has no keyhole . It's marked THE V. S. CO. CANTON , O.
Thanks for any info !

mojjax

 

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[txkickergirl]

for some odd reason it looks familar to me but I haven't a clue what it is.

 

[dg39]

It may be just a spring catch that you turn to open. The mechanism may be rusted inside or broken. Try spraying a little WD-40 into the lock through the top catch and hinge. let it sit awhile and then try it. It won't hurt it and may let it open. Just a guess.
DG

 

[re-tek]

i say cattle or livestock gate lock. so clever animals cant open the latch on a gate.

 

[cwdigger]

dont have a clue but it is very cool lookin

 

[junkdigger]

Mojjax,I don't know if your find is a combination padlock. But I found a website that may help. Google search "David Heuermann" to find Antique Padlocks by David Heuermann. He has photos of many types of combination locks,some using the lettering on the dial as the combination. Hope this helps.
I didn't find a match on his site,but there were some that were similar.

 

[Urban Prospector]

It may use a magnetic key.The knob is knurled so is meant to be turned once the tumblers are released.

 

[BuckleBoy]

There was a "Canton Combination Lock Company" in Canton, OH. I couldn't find the dates for which the company was in business, but it's a start.

Buckleboy

 

[Angelo]

One similar on ebay.

Tony