1890s RPO lock padlock

Here is an example of a recent sale for this kind of seal padlock.

 

 

1890s cast brass case lock with rotating shackle This padlock has a cast case, shackle collar, and rotating shackle made of architectural bronze. It is sold with a fitted key. What you see is what you get. The serial number is H 8798 and it has been opened 0354 times --I tried it a couple of times after taking the last photo to make certain that it works smoothly. The key opens the lock and can be removed.

Please check my other listings for other items that might be interesting collateral items for your collection. If you purchase one of those other lots, this group can be added for $4 covering incremental postage. There is never a reserve for any of my auctions.

Locked bags were transported aboard RPOs in the custody of the Clerk-in-Charge.

Proceeds benefit restoration of the Boyce, Virginia, railway station as well as monthly utility expenses. - eBay (6 Jan 2013)

This padlock had a high bid of $137.50 (Plus $8 Shipping).
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Registered Mail gold shipment Treasury Post Office USPO RPO rotary lock padlock

Here is a nice example of a mail counter padlock.

1890s T-series Registered Mail lock This US Registered Mail lock has a cast case, shackle collar, and rotating shackle made of architectural bronze. It is circa 1890s but continued in usage through the 1920s, being repaired when necessary. Although ''rotary'' locks have been occasionally listed on eBay being described as the style selected by Harry Houdini for his renowned mail bag escape trick, prop photos reveal that he used this earlier style of lock that opened with a flat key that he concealed within his cheek. The obsolete flat-style key was assigned to the Treasury Department. Although registered mail shipments passed through the postal system with this lock, Post Office Department employees could not open those pouches with their standard-issue keys. Only U.S. Treasury personnel were assigned keys to unlock shipments of currency and coin. This included small quantities of gold coin prior to 1933. This lock is sold with a professionally-fitted reproduction key that operates the lock and is in excellent condition. There is a small bronze flap covering the rotary numbers ''in the window'' that is currently 0091, meaning it had been opened 91 times. The lock serial number is T 1268 and is ex-Mundy collection. All features of the lock are clear and distinct, even though the back view is fuzzy around the edges because used a camera which doesn't have much depth of field for close-up snapshots. Please check my other listings for other items that might be interesting collateral items for your collection. If you purchase one of those other lots, this group can be added for $4 covering incremental postage. There is never a reserve for any of my auctions. Locked pouches were transported aboard RPOs in the custody of the Railway Mail Clerk-in-Charge and the registry clerk. Proceeds benefit restoration of the Boyce, Virginia, railway station as well as monthly utility expenses. - eBay (17 June 2012)

This padlock had a high bid of $437.87 (Plus $8 Shipping).
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1880s T-series Registered Mail lock

Here is a very nice and relatively rare US Registered Mail padlock.

1880s T-series Registered Mail lock

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This US Registered Mail lock has a cast case, shackle collar, and rotating shackle made of architectural bronze. It is circa 1880s but continued in usage through the 1920s, being repaired when necessary. Although ''rotary'' locks have been occasionally listed on eBay being described as the style selected by Harry Houdini for his renowned mail bag escape trick, prop photos reveal that he used this earlier style of lock that opened with a flat key that he concealed within his cheek. The obsolete flat-style key was assigned to the Treasury Department. Although registered mail shipments passed through the postal system with this lock, Post Office Department employees could not open those pouches with their standard-issue keys. Only U.S. Treasury personnel were assigned keys to unlock shipments of currency and coin.

This lock is sold with a professionally-fitted reproduction key that operates the lock and is in excellent condition. There is a small bronze flap covering the rotary numbers ''in the window'' that is currently 0131, meaning it had been opened 131 times. The lock serial number is T 2449 and is ex-Mundy collection. All features of the lock are clear and distinct, even though the back view is fuzzy around the edges because used a camera which doesn't have much depth of field for close-up snapshots.

The ''T-Series'' lock and key were the subject of a short story appearing in RAILROAD STORIES, unknown date, pages 102-127. If anyone has seen this article and knows the issue date, I'd appreciate the information. I will include a copy of the article that was digitally scanned and converted to a document format. There are a few inaccuracies within the story, but it nonetheless makes interesting reading about this legendary lock. - eBay (10/30/2011)

This padlock had a high bid of $455 (Plus $8 Shipping).
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1880s US Registered Mail lock Treasury Houdini T-series

Here is a great mail seal padlock. Locks with counters are some of the most interesting.

This US Registered Mail lock has a cast case, shackle collar, and rotating shackle made of architectural bronze. It is circa 1880s but continued in usage through the 1920s, being repaired when necessary. Although ''rotary'' locks have been occasionally listed on eBay being described as the style selected by Harry Houdini for his renowned mail bag escape trick, prop photos reveal that he used this earlier style of lock that opened with a flat key that he concealed within his cheek. The obsolete flat-style key was assigned to the Treasury Department. Although registered mail shipments passed through the postal system with this lock, Post Office Department employees could not open those pouches with their standard-issue keys. Only U.S. Treasury personnel were assigned keys to unlock shipments of currency and coin.

This lock is sold with a professionally-fitted reproduction key that operates the lock and is in excellent condition. There is a small bronze flap covering the rotary numbers ''in the window'' that is currently 0446, meaning it had been opened 446 times. The lock serial number is T 954 and is ex-Mundy collection. All features of the lock are clear and distinct, even though the back view is fuzzy around the edges because used a camera which doesn't have much depth of field for close-up snapshots. - eBay (29 May 2011)

This padlock had a high bid of $362.70 (Plus $8 Shipping).
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U.S REG'D MAIL PADLOCK

Here is what appears to be a newer version of the US Registered Mail Padlock. This probably explains why this one went for much more than the older ones. Call it the price of having a complete set.

Vintage U.S. Reg'd Mail Padlock & Key S 157405 in as found condition as shown. Everything functions as it should, and glass in very nice condition. Measures 2" x 1 3/4" x 1 1/4" - eBay (16 Sept 2010)

This padlock had a high bid of $270 (Plus $5 Shipping).
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Older US Postal Registered Mail Padlock

Here is a nice example (although not perfect) of an older Registered Mail padlock. Given how rare listings for type are, it seems to be a much rarer version than the one more commonly found on eBay.

BRASS LOCK. US REGED. MAIL. EARLY VERSION OF REGD. MAIL LOCK. NO GLASS IN WINDOW. - eBay (25 July 2010)

This padlock had a high bid of $300 (Plus $9 Shipping).
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US government postal post office MAIL BOX padlock

I am not sure what this is worth given that I have not seen another one. It is just that nobody thought it was worth the selling price. Then again, you only need to find one buyer.

nice old cast iron RARE padlock in the shape of the old mail box... lock is tight, works great, & comes with a working key........ - eBay (8 June 2010)

This padlock had an opening bid of $985 and a 'Buy-it-Now' prince of $1,095 (Plus $12 Shipping) but failed to attract any bidders.
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US REGISTERED MAIL COUNTER PADLOCK

Here is another nice example of a rare padlock.

rare U S REG'D MAIL padlock with a COUNTER covered by a GLASS window. which is housed on the side & coverd by a nice bronze weather covering..... .... each time that the lock is unlocked the counter moves 1 number...... FOUR digit counter..... lock comes with a nice locksmith made key & works the lock fine........... - eBay (11 Jan 2010)

This padlock had an opening bid of $1,250 (Plus $8.50 Shipping) but received no bids.

Previous example have sold for $386.06, $381.06 and $385 (here).
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REG'D U.S. MAIL COUNTING PADLOCK - SARGENT & GREENLEAF

Here is a different (earlier?) version of the Registered U.S. MAIL Padlock:

A solid brass Sargent & Greenleaf US Mail counting lock. This lock was NOT made by the Government. Note the individual windows for each number and the peaned-over top or the case. There are no screws in this lock. It can not be reset. The lock is mechanically perfect and is supplied with an operating key. The lock is in excellent condition and has no major damage. It has a pin tumbler mechanism. SIZE: 1.75"w x 2.75"h x 1.25"d 9.6oz. - eBay (1 June 09)

This padlock had a high bid of $162.49 (Plus $5 Shipping).
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Brass Street Letter Box Lock - USPS

Here is a great-looking postal padlock.

VERY NICE OLD AND IN GREAT CONDITION IS THIS VINTAGE STREET LETTER BOX LOCK UNITED STATES POST OFFICE.HAS THE ORINGINAL CHAIN AND KEY.THE KEY HAS THE WORDS U.S LETTER CARRIER.THE LOCK CLOSES AND OPENS GOOD.IT IS BRASS..BE SURE YOU CHECK OUT ALL THE PICTURES. - eBay (20 June 09)

This padlock had a high bid of $217.50 (Plus $8.99 Shipping).
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More Recent Mail Lock Auctions

Here are some more recent mail padlock auctions.
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Vintage US Mail Brass Lock w 4 Digit Glass Window

This auction is for an Vintage Brass US mail Lock with a 4 didit Glass counting window. It measures approx. 2 1/2" by 1 3/4". The glass is not broken and there is no key. Please email me if you have any questions. There is no reserve on this auction. Thanks for looking. - eBay (11 Apr 09)

This lock sold for $38.50 (Plus $4.95 Shipping).
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ANTIQUE U.S. POSTAL MAIL LOCK POST OFFICE

UP FOR AUCTION IS THIS ANTIQUE U.S. POSTAL MAIL LOCK IN GOOD CONDITION. NO KEY WITH THIS ONE BUT THE LOCK DOES READ "REG'D U.S. MAIL" ON IT. I AM ASSUMING IT IS MADE OF BRASS. HAS COMBINATION NUMBERS ON THE ONE SIDE. A VERY NICE COLLECTIBLE LOCK. MEASURES 2.5" TALL X 1.5" WIDE. ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE E-MAIL THEM. SOLD AS IS. - eBay (05 Apr 09)

This lock sold for $74 (Plus $5.75 Shipping).
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Antique US Mail Brass Lock w/ 4 Digit Counting Window

This auction is for an Antique Registered U.S. Mail Brass Lock with a 4 Digit Counting Window. It measures approx. 2 1/2" high by 1 3/4" wide. It is in very good condition. The glass in the counting window is intact, not broken, but there is no key. - eBay (3 Apr 09)

This lock sold for $39.99 (Plus $4.95 Shipping).
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VINTAGE REG'D US MAIL BRASS LOCK PADLOCK W/COUNTER

VINTAGE REG'D US MAIL BRASS LOCK PADLOCK W/COUNTER

UP FOR AUCTION IS A VINTAGE REG'D US MAIL BRASS LOCK WITH 4 DIGIT COUNTER ON THE SIDE. THE KEY IS NOT ORIGINAL BUT WILL OPEN THE LOCK IF PRESSED IN TIGHTLY. A VERY HARD TO FIND LOCK - eBay (30 April 09)

This lock sold for $57.50 (Plus $6 Shipping).
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Vintage US Mail Brass Lock w 4 Digit Glass Window

Old us poastal lock, needs cleaned up, no key. - eBay (2 May 09)

This lock sold for $17.30 (Plus $5 Shipping).
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VINTAGE SOLID BRASS REG MAIL LOCK W/COUNTER WINDOW!

VINTAGE SOLID BRASS MAIL LOCK!

GETTING HARD TO FIND THESE OLD LOCKS !

IN EXCELLENT USED CONDITION

Welcome Folks! These old vintage locks are getting very hard to find. You won't see many with a counting window on them like this. It counts the number of times it has been opened. I have this one but have no key for it. Great addition to your lock collection Good Luck In the Bidding! - eBay (22 April 09)

This lock sold for $54.50 (Plus $7.22 Shipping).
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UNITED STATES POSTAL mail letter box padlock key lock

nice old bronze approx. 2 7/8 " padlock complete with a 7 1/4 " chain attached.... shackle has good movement & key way is clean, but sorry there is no key. - eBay (28 April 09)

This lock sold for $55 (Plus $7.50 Shipping).
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Antique US Mail Street Letter Box Brass Lock

This auction is for an Antique U.S. Mail Street Letter Box Brass lock. It measures approx. 2 7/8" tall and 2" wide. It has an unusual slot in the bottom for a key but I don't have the key. - eBay (6 Apr 09)

This lock sold for $25 (Plus $5.60 Shipping).
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Vintage Brass Six Pin Postal Street Letter Box Lock

Up for bid Brass Six Pin United States Post Office Street Letter Box Lock. Measures approx. 2 3/4" long x 2" wide and 1/2" thick. Sorry i have no key. Nice lock for your collection. - eBay (5 Apr 09)

This lock sold for $28 (Plus $4.95 Shipping).
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ANTIQUE U.S. POSTAL MAIL LOCK POST OFFICE

UP FOR AUCTION IS THIS ANTIQUE U.S. POSTAL MAIL LOCK IN GOOD CONDITION. NO KEY WITH THIS ONE BUT THE LOCK DOES READ "STREET LEVEL BOX LOCK UNITED STATES 44" ON IT. I AM ASSUMING IT IS MADE OF BRASS. A VERY NICE COLLECTIBLE LOCK. MEASURES 2.5" TALL X 1.75" WIDE. ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE E-MAIL THEM. SOLD AS IS. - eBay (05 Apr 09)

This lock sold for $45 (Plus $5 Shipping).
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US VINTAGE PUSH-KEY PANCAKE STREET LETTER BOX LOCK MAIL

A neat brass lock, a push-key pancake style. I believe this is solid brass as I could not get a magnet to stick anywhere. Marked Street Letter Box Lock United States 20 on one side. No key included, very good condition with a nice patina. - eBay (22 March 09)

This lock sold for $23.50 (Plus $9.75 Shipping).
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