What did this lock lock?(Dated 1892)

[Breezie]

Hey Gang,
Today I MD beside an old defunct railroad track that use to carry CW soldiers from South to North and vice-versa. It was also close to an 1840s homestead.
I found this Eagle combination lock that has the patent date of May 24, 1892. As you can see from the 2 bottom holes, that is where the locking post would extend. It doesn't look or smell like brass, and it has no brass patina. It is heavy for its size.
What could it have locked? Also, what metal? Thanks in advance. Breezie

 

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[Bigcypresshunter]

Post Office door lock or permutation lock. http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-post-office-door-vintage-129869459

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[Breezie]

BCH, thanks for the website. If you look at the patent drawing letter "H" it has a solid locking bar. The one I found has 2 holes, thus 2 circular bars. I found a link on Google that had the same lock on a railroad strong box. The link was an old eBay auction that no longer showed that particular lock, so the link defaulted to all railroad locks on eBay. I'll see if I can find the link again. Breezie

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

BCH, thanks for the website. If you look at the patent drawing letter "H" it has a solid locking bar. The one I found has 2 holes, thus 2 circular bars. I found a link on Google that had the same lock on a railroad strong box. The link was an old eBay auction that no longer showed that particular lock, so the link defaulted to all railroad locks on eBay. I'll see if I can find the link again. Breezie

Hello Breezie. A patent is only for a particular feature, improvement or idea that may fit many different applications. The Post Office lock pictured is stamped with the same patent but I am in no way suggesting that Post Office box was the only use. It may have been used for a strongbox, drawer, safe or anything else that requires a combination lock.

Ill have to pull the patent back up if anyone cares to read it. Sorry I had lost it while posting. http://www.google.com/patents/US475...T_rZG8-qsAL3zvC2Dw#v=onepage&q=475520&f=false Notice patent assigned to the Eagle Lock Company of Terryville Conn.. Nice find.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

In other words, it appears to be the correct patent but your lock looks stronger and I agree may have been used for something else.

Does a magnet stick? Can you turn the mechanism?

 

[digging wv]

Never saw a P.O. box made with two bolts like that, but there are a lot of older locks and box styles out there.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Never saw a P.O. box made with two bolts like that, but there are a lot of older locks and box styles out there.

Maybe a safe?

 

[Breezie]

In other words, it appears to be the correct patent but your lock looks stronger and I agree may have been used for something else.

Does a magnet stick? Can you turn the mechanism?

No, a magnet does not stick anywhere on this lock. Yes, the mechanism turn. I cleaned most of the dirt out of the 2 holes, but am tempted to remove the screw on the back, and totally clean the inside. Whutcha think? Breezie

 

[Breezie]

Never saw a P.O. box made with two bolts like that, but there are a lot of older locks and box styles out there.

Maybe a safe?

Because of its weight and double locking bars, I'm thinking a small safe or strongbox too. There's really not a lot of information out on the net about these particular lock. Breezie

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

In other words, it appears to be the correct patent but your lock looks stronger and I agree may have been used for something else.

Does a magnet stick? Can you turn the mechanism?

No, a magnet does not stick anywhere on this lock. Yes, the mechanism turn. I cleaned most of the dirt out of the 2 holes, but am tempted to remove the screw on the back, and totally clean the inside. Whutcha think? Breezie

I dont know. If you take it apart, use a tray to collect small parts. The patent diagram may help show whats inside.