I have some questions regarding some locks I recently found. I was exploring an old mine (a large commercial mine) and found some locks that are very interesting. The first was on an explosives magazine (it's called a "day magazine" used for safely storing the materials that would be used in a single day) that was rusted and very old. It was marked Hercules (and I think "powder company" but I can't tell). It is quite old and as are many things connected with this magazine was completely brass! Even the shackle was brass but it was in a recessed area that was secure from bolt cutters and saw. The interesting thing is that this lock is quite well made. I got it open after a few minutes (lucky raking) but it has been very inconsistent. It is a pin tumbler and as I said the key-way is quite unique and well made. My question is did they have mushroom or spool pins back in the 1960's? As I believe it may have this feature. Has anyone heard of all brass materials being used in things of this nature? Could this have been to prevent sparks?
The other lock was directly fashioned to an old magazine door (a big shack-like out-building). It appears to be a flat key lever lock like those used on safe-deposit boxes. I took the whole door back home as it was rusted and the lock although in good shape is so uniquely well made I wanted to get the thing off without destroying any portion of it. This does NOT look to be an easy lock to pick by any means. Does anyone know if & what locks were mandated to be used on magazines? The lock itself was put in later as the fitting was cut in a manner suggesting that was custom. However well made the lock was the door itself was quite well made with recessed hinges and handle that stood the test of time.
Do people collect old locks? It seems like a darn good way to learn a lot of things about design history and manufacturing. These locks have a great deal of milling in their construction.
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No where near as active as here, but some very cool locks, good information and knowledgeable people.
