Seeking information on antique US ? padlock and key, please

[sallyk]

Thanks to the team for inviting me to this forum; I greatly appreciate it. I have a padlock that appears to be antique with a key marked "Pat. Jan. 7, 1873. There are no other visible marks. It has been in my family for more than 50 years but I'm no expert, and would greatly appreciate the input from the community as to 1) whether it is antique 2) the manufacturer and 3) what it might be worth. The key opens the lock even though it is bent. Would you recommend that I try to have someone unbend the key, or leave well enough alone? I'm afraid it might break off! Attached are some photos of the lock and key. Many thanks!