any ideas?

**Diana** · 12-07-09 03:05 AM

I realize that the condition of this lock makes it impossible to identify, but if any one has seen one like it or has any ideas what it might be I would be grateful.
My husband's 82 year old uncle found this on his farm, on the site of his father's blacksmith shop. It wasn't unusual in these parts for farms to have their own forge/shop, as it was an isolated area at that time. My husband is 64 years old and doesn't remember the shop being there, so it's been quite a few years ago. This lock was found with what looked like two handles attached, I didn't see them but Uncle George said they look to him like handles for a closet door, pantry door, or something like that, u-shaped and long. We thought the decorative front piece was hinged and the keyhole is under it, but we couldn't figure out the plug in the back. It appears to be made from the same metal as the decorative piece on the front.
Again if anyone has any ideas on the make of the lock, what it may have been used for, etc. I would be grateful and it would make Uncle George happy. He wants to clean it up but I'm afraid it's too far gone.
The lock is about 4inches tall and 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick. (including rust!)
Thanks,
Diana

**Angusbuddy** · 12-07-09 02:29 PM

Hello Diane, What you have is refered to as a Smoke House lock or Smokie to the collectors. The name comes from the purpose of locking up the smokehouse or other out buildings in a rural environment. They were made by a large number of companys from the early 1800's up until the mid 1900's and concequently are not that rare. The fancy brass drop on the front usually signified the maker with the company's initials but yours shows none. My guess would be it was made by the William Wilcox company 1874 to 1910 due the shape of the body. Other companys of the time were: Mallory Wheeler, Russell & Erwin, Sargent & Company and a host of others that one way or another changed names and ownership over the years. If the lock were in good operating condition today it would have a value to collectors of about $35 - $45 I hope this helps with your quest :D

**Diana** · 13-07-09 01:58 AM

Thank you so much for the information, it was more than I hoped to get with the condition of the lock. This will make him very happy, he is really trying to preserve his roots and the history of the farm.
Diana

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