Lock Whatzit

[all iron]

found this very small lock in a cornfield close to a homestead that probably dates back to the 1850's
what is interesting to me is the fact that the locky thing meets in the middle

this lock is so small that i almost missed the key hole in the bottom
its about the size of a nickle

Any ideas?

 

[taz42o]

I would guess the locky thing [shackle] is worn in two but still locked.
There are some tiny locks at this link..
http://174-143-213-57.static.cloud-ips.com/padlocks-price-guide/antique-padlocks-price-guide-60-SoldPriceDesc.html
Ill add this link just because its a good site 4 antique locks.
http://www.antique-padlocks.com/

Clean it and you may find a makers mark.

 

[TNdigginsafari]

A small cedar chest lock from that era