Really neat old lock

[JakePhelps]

Found this earlier this year but it got buried under a bunch of stuff in my room, but i re-found it ? Any ideas on what company made it or how old it is?? Looks kinda like those old railroad locks...? need to clean it up a bit more, as soon as i feel better i will. Not very goood with monogram intertwined letters, any help there?

 

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[PBK]

The monogram is "N H Co." for National Hardware Company. It's about 100-125 years old and belongs to a category of fancy embossed locks that collectors call "story locks." This one was made in a couple of sizes, 3-1/4" and 2-1/2". In nice condition, the larger one goes for $200-300; the small one, $600+. Yours is kind of rough but still probably worth 50% of book value. You can find it in The Padlock Collector by Franklin M. Arnall.

 

[JakePhelps]

Your the best PBK! thanks!? glad to hear its a nie old lock ? So is mine the smaller or larger variety u think?? It will be in even better condition after i hit it up with the dremel and polishing bit ? That thing works great for just removing surface rust any idea what kind of key it would have taken?

 

[PBK]

If it's over 3" high, it's the larger one. I think this was a push-key lock: flat key inserted into slot.

 

[JakePhelps]

Thanks! Its just a bit over 3" so its the larger one? wow that means 300 dollar lock? Thank you so much for this information, you should be the research expert

 

[PBK]

The larger one is the less valuable of the two. In excellent condition it can go for $300, but usually lists for $200, fine or better. Condition is everything when it comes to most locks. Some time ago, a lock like yours in near-mint shape sold for $375; another one, which would have been just as nice except for a small piece broken off one corner, sold for $120. The real point is, it's a heck of a find in any condition!

 

[JakePhelps]

Thanks a ton for the help! your right its a great find in any condition, i just dremeled it up and some of the rust clumps fell of and it looks alot better wonder how rare this lock is, i imagine not alot were mande if theyre this much...

 

[PBK]

Too bad it doesn't have an eye on one side! Link for you:

http://www.1st-net-lock-museum.com/sc1.htm

Click to the second page for a lock like yours that sold for $331.15 on eBay. Lot of other great links at the bottom of the pages, also.

 

[JakePhelps]

WoW thats alot of money! yea too bad no eye thanks for the other link

 

[Nana40]

Nice Jake!

Nana

 

[JakePhelps]

Thanks nana Heres a pic now that i have dremeled it and applied crisco

 

[JakePhelps]

Side By Side Comparison

 

[Nana40]

Even better Jake! That crisco helped bring out the details a lot!

Nana

 

[JakePhelps]

Thanks Not only the crisco but i used a small plastic pic around the letters and a dremel tool with a wire wheel on it. But the crisco helps cancel out the rust just like coin conditioner cancels out corrosion ill post all my restored b4 and after pics from now on. kinda fun to see the difference

 

[Leon]

Great find, WTG!!!
I love them old locks. Have yet to find one yet, but I keep hoping..
Good luck & Happy hunting~

 

[Monty]

Jake, I found an old Kane Kutter switch lock several weeks ago.? It is all busted up but I was offered fifty bucks for it from just showing the pic on the forum.? But it's not for sale as I keep all my "treasures" and plan on putting them in a display box some day.? jimakaks