Antique Rare John Chinaman Padlock

Here is another Chinaman Padlock. The other one posted on this blog went for $671.58 (here) however that padlock did not come with a key.

Antique Rare John Chinaman Padlock Key Trenton 1800s

This listing is for an extremely rare, antique padlock from Trenton Lock & Hardware Company. Patented in 1878, this humorously designed No. 1785 padlock is called "John Chinaman" and as the period's racially insensitive legend has it, a Chinese fellow was attempting to steal a flask of whiskey through a window. On his way out, he was caught by a guard dog, and the hand of the flask's owner is reclaiming his booze. A similar padlock recently sold for $4,000 at an auction in Maine. This lock and key work perfectly, and just need a good cleaning (it's over 130 years old, after all).

Details:

* Antique Padlock
* After Market Key
* Trenton Lock & Hardware Company
* Lock Number 1785
* Title: "John Chinaman"
* Age: 1878
* Color: Bronze, Dark Patina
* Size: 4 x 2.5"
* Condition: Lock and key work perfectly, need cleaning
* Extremely rare!
- eBay (25 March 09)

This padlock had a starting bid of $3,425 (Plus $48.57 Shipping) but failed to attract any bids. It was reposted with an opening bid of $1,000 and had a high bid of $2,385 (Plus $38.67 Shipping) but failed to meet the reserve price. Listing here (2 April 09). It ran again here (10 Apr 09) with an opening bid of $2,800 but received no bids.
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