H & R Pat. 1867 Brass Combination Pad Lock

Here is an amazing antique combination padlock:

A super H & R pat April 9, 1867 Brass combination pad Lock in excellent condition with nice patina, looks complete. I am not sure what it was used for. A great lock fresh from an early Pa. Estate. 3" X 2 1/8" - eBay

This lock sold for the amazing bid of $4,394.44 (plus $5.05 shipping). And this price was for a lock with an unknown combination. I have not seen another like this one posted before.

How many more of these might be laying around in boxes and drawers?

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MINIATURE BRASS PADLOCK - DOG COLLAR LOCK

Another interesting miniature padlock:

ANTIQUE MINIATURE BRASS PADLOCK W/KEY. DOG COLLAR LOCK: Padlock is 1" tall and 3/4" wide. It is nickle plated brass, well made. The nickle plating has worn off in places. The key is steel. The shackle springs open when the key is operated. No damage, just shows its' age. No makers marks that I can see. - eBay

This lock sold for $26 (Plus $1.50 in shipping).

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FAKE: "USN brass lock - federal # 5 - W. Bell & Sons"

Beware, this lock is either a copy of an authentic lock or an outright fake.

this brass lock was made in phila, pa by the w. bell and sons locksmith company for the USN - it is marked federal # 5 and 4 brass levers- it is 2 3/4 x 4 inches closed and comes with its original 2 keys-each key has the numeral 5 on them-this is an official us navy dept lock - eBay

My guess is that this lock was made in India, Pakistan or some other place in the region. Look at the key. When was the last time you saw an antique key that looked like that? Also, this lock has two keys which is a rare find for genuine antique locks. The lock looks brand new, which if it were real would of at least shown signs of longterm-storage or at leat minimal use. Also, if still 'new' where is the package or wrapping? Including that in the offer might result in a higher bid price. I had actually purchased the first one of these that I had seen listed but ended up returning it as it was obvious that it was a fake upon receipt. Which my lock mentioned that it was all brass, as this one proclaims, the internal pieces were not made of brass, and were already somewhat rusted.

There have been other variations of this lock to appear in eBay which at least makes it easier to spot them as fakes.

This item sold for $11.50 (Plus $6.45 in shipping.) It is OK to buy a fake, provided that you know it is, and I would also say that the poster admits as much. This listing proclaimed the item as genuine.

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Gougler Combination Padlock

Here is an interesting combination lock. Look no marking on the dial!

"Antique click style combination padlock made by GOUGLER" - This is an antique CLICK style padlock lock with the intact combination tag. This is a unique concept lock that works by turning the clicker all the way to the left then count the clicks( eg. right 8 clicks then left 2 clicks then right 8 clicks). Very cool and interesting lock. This lock was designed to be opened in the dark or daylight. On the back it is stamped " Gougler keyless locks Pat.Pend Kent Ohio" Very solid and well made lock. A great vintage example of good old American manufacturing and design of the past. - eBay

I have seen one or two others of this type so it seems to be pretty rare.

This lock sold for $71 (Plus $9 shipping).

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More USPO Street Letter Box Locks Sold

Some more mail locks have been sold on eBay and the prices are all over the place.

This lock sold for $21.50 (Plus $5 shipping). Nice wear but no key:


eBay Link

This other lock also has nice wear and more importantly, what appears to be an original key, which I have not seen before:

BRASS STREET LETTER BOX LOCK!!!! 3". Vintage Brass U.S. Mail Padlock in working condition. On the front is STREET LETTER BOX LOCK,UNITED STATES 12. On the key is U.S.Mail and the no. on the back. - eBay

This lock also has the number twelve on it which seems to be a rarer number for this type lock. A least until eBay is buried with more locks of this number type.

This lock sold for $127.51 (Plus $4.80 shipping). Was the high price a result of the number of the lock, the key, or both?

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MINATURE EAGLE LOCK CO PADLOCK

Another impressive miniature lock that isn't made like crap.

A VERY VERY SMALL LOCK AND KEY MADE BY THE EAGLE LOCK AND KEY CO. THE HASP OF THE LOCK IS STAMPED E.L.Co. THE LOCK WORKS PERFECTLY. THE KEY APPEARS TO HAVE A TINY NICK AT THE TOP. THE ROUND LOCK MEASURES 10mm ACROSS AND 20mm HIGH WITH THE HASP CLOSED. - eBay

This little lock sold for $37.00 (Plus $3 shipping)

Not bad for something that many people would probably just throw away.

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H & R ARMS CO., WORCESTER, MASS. Handcuffs

Here is a very unusual designed set of handcuffs:

Old vintage American made Heavy duty set of Maker Marked handcuffs (with original key) with a different & unusual design that creates a very secure & unique locking mechanism. These are stamped, "H & R ARMS CO., WORCESTER, MASS." in 2 lines, and "MADE IN U.S.A." in a separate 2 line stamping. These handcuffs have an unusual lock/unlock feature that uses an unusual shaped key that can only lock & unlock this style of handcuff. Most hand cuffs utilize a similar style locking mechanism within the ring, and thus, use a standard style key that can unlock most standard handcuffs. The original key for this pair is entirely round, with a cut out end forming 2 small pegs that lock/unlock the handcuffs. The unusual design utilizes a mechanism inside the top rotating swivel of each handcuff; i.e., the key is used through a hole in the end that is sealed off by the rotating shaft at the end that houses the curved connector piece. Thus, when the handcuffs are worn, the key hole is sealed off. Only when the curved piece connected to the round shaft is rotated 90 degrees does the hole in this shaft allow access to insert the key and lock/unlock the handcuffs. These are extremely high quality overall, with a milled groove in the swivel ratcheting part that stabilizes and secures this part inside the outside cover. These are heavy duty, and weigh 14.8 ounces. Complete and working condition with the original key. - eBay

This set has a 'Buy it now' price of $274.95 (With Free Shipping). However, it failed to sell at that price.

Too bad as they are pretty cool. I just need to talk myself into thinking that the handcuffs are worth in the region of that price.
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CAVENEY BOTTLE NECK HANDCUFFS

Here is another variation of the Bottleneck handcuffs made by another manufacturer:

Authentic Caveney bottle neck handcuff with original key. Very good condition in working order.

These cuffs have been in the family for around 50 to 60 years and belonged to my Father-in-law. The pictures have been examined by experts who found them to be in nice condition and believe the key to be original. Please contact me if your an expert and find any error in my description. The photos very accurately show the condition of the cuffs. There the some pitting and light rust typical of items of this age and clearly visible in the photos. Patented Feb. 8, 1910.

Inscribed around the key hole: CAVENEY INVENTION Co. PATS.PENDING OAKLAND,CAL.FEB.8,10. - eBay

This great looking set of handcuffs went for $411 (Plus $10 shipping.)

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Old Combination Padlock - 1901?

Here is another rare combination padlock.

A VERY RARE BRASS COMBINATION PADLOCK. I DO NOT KNOW WHO MADE IT, THE ONLY MARKS ARE THE PAT. DATE JULY 16, 01. THE LOCK WORKS FINE BUT THE MECHANISM IS SLOPPY FROM WEAR. THE BODY IS IN GOOD SHAPE BUT THE COMBINATION WHEELS HAVE MANY DENTS. - eBay

How rare? Well, this lock went for $150 (Plus $3 in shipping.) So I would say that it is rare enough.

If I had to guess, I would say that this lock was made for a specific purpose. Although what purpose exactly escapes me.

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Rare and Expensive Bean Giant Handcuffs

Recently up for sale was a very rare and desirable set of Bean Giant handcuffs:

It seems that the poster was not totally aware what he had in his hands based on the general description:

NOW I CERTAINLY DO NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT EARLY HANDCUFFS BUT I'D SAY THAT THIS IS AN EXTRA FINE EXAMPLE. THEY ARE IN THE LEATHER CASE AND COME WITH THE ORIGINAL KEY. I TRIED THE KEY IT FITS IN BUT IT NEEDS SOME OIL AND I DID NOT FORCE IT IN ORDER TO OPEN THEM . THE CUFFS MEASURE ABOUT 6 1/2 INCHES ACROSS. I LOOKED THEM OVER CAREFULLY AND CAN FIND NO MAKER'S NAME. THERE IS A LITTLE BIT OF RUST HERE AND THERE ON HE SURFACE BUT I'M QUITE SURE THEY WILL CLEAN UP AND LOOK GREAT . A NICE ADDITION TO ANY LIKE COLLECTION. NO RESERVE - eBay

The information was added later as someone helpfully provided the information.

More on the handcuffs:

The Bean Giant. Few handcuffs possess the mystique of the Bean Giant. Patented by E. D. Bean on November 1, 1887 the handcuff is extraordinary in many ways. First it possessed a remarkably clean design, beautiful to look at with a wonderfully functional mechanism. Like the classic Bean it has a pair of release buttons at the top and bottom of the lock case that need to be pushed in order to lock the cuff. 

Its lock is simple, but the rigid design which holds the wrists close makes it very difficult for one to escape, even if one is holding the key. - Handcuffs.org

This set of Bean Giant Handcuffs went for the amazing sum of $2,125 (plus $31.75 in shipping.) This is the most expensive set of handcuffs I have seen auctioned.

Here is the original Patent for the Bean Giant:



Click the images to enlarge.

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Huge Antique Segal Padlock

This is a very impressive padlock.

This is an antique Segal padlock lock that has 2 working keys. The lock weighs about 1.5 lbs and measures 4.5" X 2.5".

Very nice vintage padlock that also displays nice and is worth the price for the padlock aspect alone not to mention the collectible value of such a nice piece. - eBay

This kind of follows the Scandinavian style padlock using a modern type key.

These seems to be very affordable with this lock going for only $26.22 (Plus $10 shipping)

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Master Lock # 48 - Unusual Brass Padlock

Here is a great looking Brass padlock.

A highly respected locksmith told me that these locks were made by Master for a short period of time in the 1940-1950 years and they are somewhat rare.

- Brass case measures 1 1/2" x 2 7/8 ".

- The lock is in good condition and the key works well.

- The locks have 2 levers and 2 wards and there are 24 key changes. - eBay

I think this is interesting because the design reminds me of a combination lock with its round shape, almost like a flying saucer. It is also very neat in its lack of decoration. It just looks very '50s.

This lock sold for $28.02 (plus $3 shipping) Not bad for a rare lock. I have only seen three and I own two of them.

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Brass Registered Philippines Mail Padlock With Counter

As noted here, the US was not the only mail service using locks with counters. This example comes from the Phillippines:

Vintage 1950s (or earlier) brass registered Philippine Mail padlock with replacement key. On the side, the lock has a moving and working counter to indicate the number of times the lock has been opened and closed. Made in the Philippines by "Vicente Zamora". - eBay

This item sold for $88.88 (plus $8.78 in shipping)

Oddly enough, this sold for less than most US Registered mail locks sell for.

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Very Expensive Antique Thumbcuffs

I thought that thumbcuffs are a relatively new item, but they have been around for a while. Here is an interesting antique pair.

ANTIQUE THUMB CUFFS. THESE ARE HIGH QUALITY AND WORK QUITE WELL. COMES WITH ONE KEY. THE ONLY LETTERING I SEE IS "PAT. PEND." IF YOU COLLECT THE OLD WEST, EARLY HAND CUFFS ETC, THIS IS FOR THE DISCRIMINATING COLLECTOR. THESE MEASURE 1 3/8" TALL AND CLOSES TO 3". - eBay

The bidding started at $0.01 and went for over $1,172 (Plus $7.40 shipping). Unreal.

I do not have any thumbcufs at the moment but they are on my shopping list. I was planning on getting a new set, but I guess I need to check out what other antiques might be available. Then again, I can buy over 100 new pairs of thumb cuffs for that this one set went for. Or 5 or 6 antique sets of handcuffs. Maybe even a set of Bean Giant handcuffs.....

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1869 Patent H.L. ARNOLDS COMBINATION LOCK

I tend to prefer combination locks because they seem to incorporate more intricate work, and this lock is a good example of that:

Vintage 1869 Patent H.L. ARNOLDS COMBINATION LOCK - A vintage high quality brass combination lock marked on the front "H.L. Arnolds Pat. May 4th 69". It measures approximately 2 1/2" by 2 5/8". It's in excellent cosmetic condition with nice patina. The number 267 is lightly scratched on the left side of the front. The combination wheels spin freely. I do not know the combination. - eBay

Not having a key or combination is a real problem when it comes to collecting locks. Of course the price for locks that you can still open is a little to a lot higher depending on how rare a lock is. This lock has no combination and still it has gone for $322 (Plus $5 shipping) with a lock like this and a bit of time, one could figure out what the combination is by simple trial and error. And I would start by trying the number 267...

Unfortunately, this lock was a bit too expensive to add to my collection. That is probably for the best, since I would most likely have messed it up by polishing it!

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