Another "secret" lock

[andyjack]

The secret fish padlock posted recently was really cool, and reminded me of a lock I had from a small lock collection I got in a storage unit auction recently. I know nothing about locks and am hoping someone can point me towards resources to find out more about this (age, maker and value, of course.)

A flattened portion of the key is used to pry up a pin and then a side trapdoor springs open, revealing the keyway. It's not a conventional key, as I think of them. Instead it is a hollow tube that is threaded inside. It is threaded on to a "screw" in the lock which then allows the shackle to be pulled open.

The thumbnails link to the full-size images for better detail, if desired.

This face of the lock has a 1 in the upper left corner and a "star" over an 11 in the center - these are the only identifying marks.


This face is where the magic happens. The nearest pin on the top is the one to be pried up which allows the trapdoor to spring open. It is virtually indistinguishable from the other pins.


The trapdoor side is open, revealing the keyway on the left and the trapdoor release on the right.


Looking down the keyway head-on at the "screw" that the key threads onto in the left hole.


The key is simply a threaded barrel with a ring.


The ring of the key is flattened at the rear, perfect for prying up the secret pin.


If there are any other details I should look for, I would be happy to oblige.

Thanks for any help!
Andy

[MacGnG1]

sneaky sneaky

[Safety0ff]

I'm no help to identify it, but that is an awesome lock!

[mh]

search for trick padlock on google,
e.g. here: http://www.padlock.s-a-w.net/lockidx.htm

Cheers,
mh

[raimundo]

obviouly if you cant find the keyhole, you will have to look for the trick, but if they had put a keyhole in it, it could have caused someone to spend a lot of time screwing around with fake wards and levers.