Rotary Government Mail Padlock Question

[pastorclyde]

I'm researching this lock. It was in use at least at one time and was illegal to own. Even owning a key was illegal. Does anyone know of any pictures of this lock or diagrams? Your help is greatly appreciated!

Clyde

[zeke79]

A friend of mine has one I believe. I will try to get into contact with him for some pics. He may be reluctant to do so as these are still not quite kosher to posses.

[n2oah]

A friend of mine has one I believe. I will try to get into contact with him for some pics. He may be reluctant to do so as these are still not quite kosher to posses.

What is the lock's name, exactly? When I saw it, I thought Rotalok, but they're perfectly legal to own.

[Legion303]

If these are the "counter" locks used to secure registered mail bags, then it's my understanding that they're made in-house by the post office's own manufacturers along with the so-called arrow keys (not the same as the Arrow brand blanks, confusingly enough).

-steve

[dosman]

Is this it?



I'd love to see pics of a key or internal pics of these locks.

[Jow]

I think that is an Arrow key lock


see: This

[dosman]

Interesting picture on the blog. I've heard of two types of USPS Arrow locks, perhaps the Y-lock is the one used on mail bags.

http://ibmgeek.shacknet.nu/lockenpedia/index.php/Arrow_Lock

[Legion303]

Bearing in mind that it's a federal offense to mess with postal locks, I found this interesting (and something I was previously unaware of):

"Installation
Upon installation of a mail box the USPS can be requested to install an Arrow Lock free of charge, assuming your mail box is approved."

I'm a bit hesitant to discuss the finer points of arrow keys in the open forums, but if anyone has questions post them in advanced and I'll see what I can do.

-steve

[pastorclyde]

Thank you everyone for your help! I'll post in the advanced to learn more.

Clyde

[pastorclyde]

As it turns out I don't have enough posts to go to the advanced area. I used to come here often but obviously did not post much.

I am researching this lock because it is the lock that Houdini defeated in his mailbag challenge from the USPS.

I am very interested in learning more about the key and the lock- especially as they were about the early 1900's. If anyone is able to help, please post here.

Thank yoU!

Clyde


db edit: removed email request as per forum rules

[UWSDWF]

pastor.... check the rules chief
3. Email requests will be deleted.

[pastorclyde]

Oops! My bad. Any suggestions as to where I can further this conversation? My goal is information on history- not a security breach.

Thanks,

Clyde

[pastorclyde]

Thank you for the key info. Any idea where I could find a drawing, diagram or picture of an early version of the lock?

Clyde

[UWSDWF]

try doing a patent search... lots of historical stuffs there

[Legion303]

The lock itself is rather basic, but attempting to make a blank is a federal offense, as is attempting to acquire a key unless you're a postal worker headed out to a route, or a postal inspector inspecting locks, or a locksmith at the postal service's D.C. lock shop making them.

Postal arrow keys go for around $8,000 on the black market.

-steve