Old Lock

[Michaelangelo]

Found this while detecting the yard of a 150 year old house. Haven't done too much cleaning (any suggestions welcome).
Any idea of age and make? Also what kind of key would be used to open?

 

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[BuckleBoy]

Sorry I can't help with the key that would've opened a lock like this...but by posting this, you have helped me ID a find: that brass piece on the front of your lock I have found several of, at mid-1800s sites, and I never knew what they were. So I'd say you're right in the ballpark on the age of your lock--c.1850s or 1860s.

 

[mojjax]

here's one from an 1880's Hammacher Schlemmer & Co . catalogue .

 

[IronSpike]

This link has a couple of locks that are similar. #155 & #162 are referred to as 'secure lever'. Not sure if 'secure lever' is the style. Cool lock

http://www.muffshardware.com/padlocks5.jpg

here's one from an 1880's Hammacher Schlemmer & Co . catalogue .

Nice pic of the key

 

[BuckleBoy]

here's one from an 1880's Hammacher Schlemmer & Co . catalogue .

Awesome photo, mojjax!

So that's why these strange keys did not survive...they were made of steel!

 

[NGE]

Looks like yours has part of the key still rusted in place. Cool lock though..........NGE

 

[IronSpike]

Looks like yours has part of the key still rusted in place. Cool lock though..........NGE

Could also be a slightly different key design.

 

[Michaelangelo]

Thanks guys. I'll do a little more cleaning and see if the key is broken off in the lock.