STORY PADLOCK & WITH ORIGENAL KEY (JOHN CHINAMAN) NO.1785 PAT. 1818

Here is an example of one of the more rare story padlocks.

Don't miss this one, any serious collector knows how rare this lock is. This would make a great Christmas gift for any lock collector. You don't fine them with the original key or in this condition.. This lock is in such great condition no crack or broken parts no etching or pitting, it is very well detailed. I looked on the net, the ones I seen are not as nice as this one and sold for $600.00 and up, one I think it said sold in Main for $4000.00.

The lock features Chinamn on front and legs with dog bitting ankle and whisky bottle in back pocket, on the reverse side it also shows a patent date 1818 that's what it looks like to me. This lock was listed in the Trenton Lock and Hardware Co. 1880 catalog, as No. 1785 ( John Chinaman ) it was next to No. 1787 ( Great Western ) also known as the Werewolf lock.

Lock measures 4" x 2 1/2" inches

I don't take good pictures I tried with flash and with out, if someone is interested and needs more I will take more.

Please look at all the pictures and email any question before bidding.

Thank you for looking and good luck.

On Dec-02-13 at 13:34:59 PST, seller added the following information:

This was sent from a ebayer

This is a Story Padlock. the story depicts a a theif that stole a bottle of booze. the shop owners dog saw this, and bit the theif, getting the owners attention. the owners hand can be seen taking the bottle of booze out of the thief's back pocket.

On Dec-10-13 at 08:34:20 PST, seller added the following information:

This was sent to me by Jim, and I thank him for the info.

Hello. Your lock is not from 1818, but rather from 1878. It was patented by John Gerard for the Trenton Lock & Hardware Co. There are 2 patents for this lock, both filed on Oct. 11 1878. The patent #s are USD10913 (this has to do with the raised edges) and USD10877 (this has to do with the face) 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. Good luck, - eBay (12 Dec 2013)

This padlock had a high bid of $1,375 (19 bids) (Plus Free Shipping) but failed to meet the reserve price.

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