Very Old Padlock?

[NorthCentral MN TreasureSeeker]

I found this old padlock yesterday about 6" underground. On the hook is says "EAGLE LOCK CO. TERRYVILLE CT.U.S.A.. On the back of the hook it says "PAT. FEB 25, 1896".
I did a search on it last night & found the Eagle Lock Co. was in buisness from 1835 to 1975. At their peak, they employeed more than 1500 people. There is a lock museum in the state & they have a web site, but next to nothing for pictures or model variations. (They want you to go there and pay to see locks...) I also looked on eBay & found many antique padlocks for sale, but nothing quite like this one, and none from Eagle. If anyone has some info as to the age of this lock I'll thank you in advance.

 

[Macaco]

Nice lock!

Is the body brass or steel?

Good find.....

 

[NorthCentral MN TreasureSeeker]

Hi Macaco,
Although I didn't clean it, I checked it with a magnet. It is all brass. It isn't as big as the picture may seem as it is only 2 1/8" tall. But it is still a unique looking lock, different from anything I've ever seen. Thanks 4 looking!

 

[Boogeyman]

Can you give some dimentions, like case height width thickness. and the shank from the top of the case to the inside of the loop? I'll go through some of my old catalogs and lists to see if I can find something for you.

 

[NorthCentral MN TreasureSeeker]

Hi Boogeyman, Thanks for the interest! Here are the dimensions:

Overall Height: 2 1/8"
Case Height: 1 3/16"
Case Width: 1 5/16"
Case Depth: Just under 3/8" (not including the rivets)
Shank: 11/16" (top of case to inside of loop)

Not a very big padlock, but it is built fairly well & I've never seen a small one like this before. Eagle Lock Co. - PAT FEB 25, 1896. Thanks again!