Pad lock ID

[Aerosmithy]

I didn't use a metal detector to find this
my mom and I found it while digging up a tree stump.
We think it is an old railroad lock
It is a lock of some sort

The second picture is a cover for the key hole and the inscription says M. W. & Co

 

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[davidtn]

I found a very similar cover just a few weeks ago.

 

[mojjax]

Here's one I have , looks like the same company .
mojjax

 

[stoney56]

Maybe kinda like one of these?
http://www.cw1861.com/1locks.htm

 

[PBK]

Collectors call this type of wrought iron lever lock a "smokehouse lock." The M W & Co. mark on the brass drop (keyhole cover) is that of Mallory, Wheeler & Company of New Haven, Connecticut. c. 1865-1910, the largest manufacturer of padlocks during that era.

 

[Aerosmithy]

wow thanks for the info
does anyone have any idea how i should go about cleaning it?

 

[Aerosmithy]

oh and btw this is where i found it
this is in my backyard

 

[Dirty Nails]

Hi all, Aerosmithy's Mom here. I just found this site yesterday while searching for some info on the lock, and I love it. This place is great. 8)

PBK, I found some info on Mallory-Wheeler Co. yesterday, but was not able to find the year they went out of business, so I really appreciate that. I gives me some idea of how old it is anyway. A smokehouse lock, huh? Any idea what kind of key went with it? Ours seems to have a perfectly round keyhole (as best as I can tell with all the corrosion) and I have not been able to find any pictures of other locks with a keyhole like this one.

I would like to know the best way to clean it up. I looked around a bit on the Cleaning & Preservation (I think that's what it's called) forum, and it saw some stuff about electrolosis. Is that going to be our best bet, and how complicated is it?

Thanks again for the help.

 

[jquintero]

Wow, that's cool!

My dad just bought a metal detector and is very excited to use it in Galveston. Can someone please direct us to a location to start? HELP!