Yale & Towne Brass Padlock Identification

[LaneFowler]

I found this Yale & Town Brass Padlock in an Old Toolbox that belonged to my Grandfather. It is locked with no key.

I want to Clean it Up and Unlock it wih hopes of having a Key made.

The lock Tumbler # above the keyhole appears to be 255438

• Can anyone identify this lock and WHEN it was made?
• What is best way to clean? Brasso Cleaner?
• How to unlock w/o Key?
• Can a Key be made with reference to number on the lock?

Thanks in advance.

[LaneFowler]

Is it a Yale & Towne Model 840?

[Dean Nickel]

My advice is to answer this question: Is it possible that you want to ever sell this item? If the answer is yes then don't clean it. Cleaning it will destroy some of the value of this lock. If the answer is no then I would go with a chemical dip and then lacquer clear finish cover the key hole while shooting it and use a light coverage pass. Brushing will take more metal off than is needed. Don't try to "Restore" this lock as it is beatup from use. Nice little lock.

Might be a direct code on the bottom. Drop it by a lockshop and have a key made. Make sure you ask for the lock to be impressioned only if the code doesn't work. This way the lock shouldn't be taken apart.

[LaneFowler]

Thanks Dean... I don't think I would ever sell (Belonged to Grandfather). I just want to clean a "little bit".

Any idea as to the date and model # of that lock. I am thinking 1940's to late 30's that coincides with Family History.

[Donnie]

Hi, Dean is correct, cleaning it will lower it's value in the eyes of most collectors...Looks like it has been apart sometime in it's life...not to worry
I believe that the last year that the design on the back of your lock was used was 1929, although there has been a recent discussion on that .. cherish it, if it was your grand-pa's.
I have the first lock that I ever collected...it too is a Yale & I have no key for it
That was over 40 years ago & it was given to me by a dear friend........Donnie

[LaneFowler]

Thanks Donnie..

I keep searching for data on the Yale Logo and History.. Not much Luck

Very EXCELLENT to know or believe that "the last year that the design on the back of your lock was used was 1929, although there has been a recent discussion on that"

Where do you read about the history of the Yale Logo... Is there an on-line resource?

Thanks in advance

[Doug MacQueen]

Yale 8 is the common Yale blank. I think it typically is called a Y1 by other key makers. Doug

[jeffmoss26]

Yale 8 keyway = Ilco 999 = Y1
Your lock looks like one of the G keyways, but as I posted on Lockpicking101, I can not make out the 2 letters before the numbers marked on the plug.

[LaneFowler]

Thanks Jeff... The Key Pathway is a G Series, but the second Letter is hard to read... Based upon the shape of the Key Pathway, I am Guessing the Pathway is "GB" or "GD"

When getting a "Y1" Key Blank, does one have to specify the Pathwayway, i.e., a Y1 with GB or GD Pathway versus the grooves on the "Y1" blanks now being a 1 size fits all???

[jeffmoss26]

The common, single section keyway is what Yale refers to as E1R. Others call it the Yale 8 keyway. The common blank designation is Y1. You will see this on residential locks, basic mortise cylinders, and many euro locks.

The lock you have is one of the G sectional keyways. These are GA, GB, etc.

This PDF should help you a bit.