Hi, I bought 336 padlocks a little over a year ago and have been a member of this site since then, thanks for having me! I have learned a little about padlocks, where previous to my purchase, I knew they locked things. I have had good luck selling some on eBay, but I still have over 300 left, all different kinds.
I have several Van Camp padlocks and I am trying to learn a little more about them. They seem to be scarce, or else information about them is scarce. I read that Miller Lock Co. made padlocks for Van Camp Hardware, which 'was the largest hardware firm in the state (Indiana) during the first half of the 20th century' (Encyclopedia of Indianapolis (Google Books). Did Miller always supply the padlocks for Van Camp? Or did other companies make padlocks for Van Camp? And if someone could recommend further reading on push key lever locks, I'd be grateful. When were they made? When did they go out of style? I have a brass padlock with a steel shank that has a round Van Camp logo stamped on one side. No key.
Thanks for any help.