US Treasury Lock - Heavy Brass Clarke Combo Padlock

One of my favorite styles of combination padlocks. Rare and yet still affordable for those willing to save for a while. This one for some reason was a little more expensive than average. Perhaps it is indicative of increased demand.

This beautiful brass government seal lock was made for use by the U.S. Treasury Dept., by Clarke Combination Lock Co. in Baltimore, MD. Original pat. date of 1873 and reissued in Feb. of 1876. Over 138 years ago! It is in wonderful condition for its age and works great. There are some older small tool marks on the back plate, which closes tight and still has the retaining spring clip behind it. Some newer tool marks on the knurled turn ring and the loss of some chrome. Beautiful patina and a smooth working, great feeling lock. Very collectible! - eBay (24 Oct 2014)

This padlock had a high bid of $799 (Plus Free Shipping).
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1876 Brass Clarke Combination US Treasury Dept Lock

All I can say is WOW! look at the price this Treasury padlock sold for. Well over twice what I paid for mine.

Rare 1876 Brass Clarke Combination US Treasury Dept Lock w/Code Superb Piece! Super Nice estate find. One of the toughest early Brass Combination locks to come by, especially the US Treasury marked ones. This one is in excellent condition with nice even patina and includes the combination! Don't pass up this chance at a stunning original lock! Nice addition to your collection. - eBay (14 August 2013)

This padlock had a high bid of $1,375.10 (Plus $11.05 Shipping).
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1876 Clarke U.S. Treasury Lock

Here is another recent example of a 1876 Clarke U.S. Treasury Combination Padlock.

Very nice and collectable Clarke Combination lock made for the U.S. Treasury . The dial cover has the Pat. dates of Feb. 4; 1873, June 15; 1875 and Reissued Feb, 29; 1876. This newly patented lock was displayed at the U.S. Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876 where it recieved awards. The company The lock comes with the combination and works very well. The combination on these locks can be changed and if I can find the directions to do this I will send a copy with the lock. - eBay (17 July 2012)

This padlock had a high bid of $700 (Plus free Shipping).
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Clarke Combination Padlock: U.S. Treasury Lock

Here is a recent auction of this nice to have combination padlock.

Wonderful Vintage combination padlock. The lock has "Clarke Combination Lock CO. Baltimore. M.D. Pat.D FEB.4. 1873 JUNE 15. 1876. Reissued. FEB. 29. 1876. MFR'S" stamped on the cover. The lock is also marked on the back "U.S. Treasury Lock". This lock is in excellent condition; the nickel plate on the collar is still in very good condition. There is only one minor worn spot on the ring. The lock is 2 5/16" x 4." The combination is known, and this lock works. - eBay (5 June 2012)

This padlock had a opening bid of $850 (Plus $12 Shipping) but failed to find any bidders at this high price.
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CLARKE COMBINATION LOCK ** U.S. TREASURY **

I'm not sure what to think of this auction price. It kind of blows the pricing for these locks skyward. Not a complaint, just an observation.

ANTIQUE BRASS CLARKE COMBINATION LOCK
PATENTED DATE: FEB 20,1876
** U.S. TREASURY **
VERY RARE!
NO RESERVE AUCTION!
APPROX. 4-1/2 INCHES LONG
APPROX. 2-1/4 INCHES IN WIDE - eBay (30 Jan 2012)

This padlock had a high bid of $860 (Plus $5.99 Shipping).
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U. S. Treasury Lock Brass Combination pat' 1873

Here is another Clarke Combination Treasury Padlock. (Click the label below for more examples)

Up for bid is this great U.S.Treasury combination brass padlock. It works great and I have the combination for it It was pat'. Feb.4, 1873 and Jun 15, 1875 and reisued Feb 29, 1876. Clarke Combination Lock co. Baltimore, MD - eBay (30 Aug 2009)

This padlock had a high bid of $630.12 (Plus $5.20 Shipping).
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US Treasury 1876 Brass Combination Lock Rare

A very impressive, and somewhat damaged, intricate combination lock.

Here we have what I think is a Rare find a patented 1876 Brass combination lock that belonged to the US Treasury dept. I have had this for quite sometime and have been unable to locate anyone who has or has had one of these I have checked ebay every week for more than a year and have yet to see one there so I would think it is pretty darn scarce. It is Stamped on back of lock US Treasury Lock. It was manufactured by the Clarke Combination Lock Co of Baltimore Maryland. Patent dates of Feb 4 1873,June 15 1875 and then reiisued Feb 29 1876. It appears to have been cut off of something at one time and the piece cut out was welded back on otherwise really nice. - eBay

Despite its condition and I suspect a lack of a combination it still managed to sell for $258.79 (Plus $6.25 Shipping). While it is a rare lock, there have been other listings on eBay. Click on the tag below for more examples.
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CLARKE COMBINATION LOCK 1876 - US TREASURY LOCK

This has to be my favorite, most expensive combination lock around, right behind the 'No-Key' padlock.

THIS IS A VERY UNUSUAL 1876 BRASS COMBINATION LOCK (COMBINATION INCLUDED) MADE BY CLARKE COMBINATION LOCK CO. OF BALTIMORE MD. THIS LOCK IS STAMPED U.S. TREASURY AND WAS USED BY THEM.THIS LOCK IS FOR SERIOUS COLLECTORS ONLY. I HAVE SEEN ONE OTHER OF THESE LOCKS WHICH SOLD FOR $500.00 IN SEPTEMBER 2008 WHICH IS THE AMOUNT I WILL USE TO OPEN THE AUCTION. ON THE FRONTSIDE HINGED COVER PLATE OF THE LOCK IS THE FOLLOWING INSCRIPTION: CLARKE COMBINATION LOCK CO. BALTIMORE MD. PAT'D. FEB. 4 1873 JUNE. 15. 1875 REISSUED FEB. 29 1876 MFR'S. ALSO YOU WILL SEE A SMALL HOLE IN WHICH A SMALL SEAL WITH WIRE WAS INSERTED AND MARKED WITH THAT PERSONS PERSONAL ID MARK. THIS WOULD SHOW WHO WAS THE LAST ONE TO OPEN THE LOCK. I SHOW IN A COUPLE PHOTOS WHAT THIS SEAL COULD HAVE LOOKED LIKE. I WILL INCLUDE SEVERAL OF THESE LEAD ON WIRE SEALS HOWEVER THESE DID NOT COME WITH THE LOCK WHEN I OBTAINED IT. ON THE BACK OF THE LOCK IS A SLIDING DOOR WITH THE INSCRIPTION: U.S. TREASURY LOCK. I DO HAVE THE COMBINATION WHICH I WILL REVEAL TO THE BUYER. THIS LOCK WAS FORMERLY OWNED BY A FBI AGENT. - eBay

This impressive lock had an opening price of $499.99 (Plus $12.85 Shipping). There was also a hidden reserve. I was ready to bid but since I had no idea of what this seller's expectation was, I figured that I wouldn't waste my time, especially since my limit was $500. Oddly enough, nobody else bid. And now that the auction is over I see the note "RESERVE REMOVED". Oh well, maybe next time.
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