Any experts on padlocks?

Saw this for sale as an authentic Houdini lock (gimmicked for quick release) and was wondering if it's even from that time period. Any experts? Thanks!

Phil Dalton

Hi,

This lock is a Fraim Slaymaker warded padlock and is not from Houdini's day.

Stay away from this one!

Steve Santini

Saw this for sale as an authentic Houdini lock (gimmicked for quick release) and was wondering if it's even from that time period. Any experts? Thanks!

Phil Dalton

Click to expand...

Hi, I am not sure about this particular padlock you show but there are references available for this lock. You would need to find a picture of the lock in a certain catalogue year to know exactly.

Slaymaker have been under many names since they started in 1888 ( reference Early locks and lock makers of America by Thomas Hennessey)

check out this site http://www.wclca.org/references.htm
Reprint of early padlock catalogues.

Fraim, E.T., Keystone Lock Works, Lancaster,Penna., 1897, KCI reprint 1992
Fraim, E.T., Padlocks 1899, KCI reprint 1980
Fraim, E.T., Padlocks, Night Latches, Catalog No.30, KCI reprint 1982
Fraim, E.T., Padlocks, 1918 Catalog No. 26, KCI reprint 1979
Fraim, E.T., Fraim Padlocks, c. 1950s Catalog, KCI reprint 1982
Fraim-Slaymaker Hardware Co., Catalog #100, c. 1920s, KCI reprint 1982
Fraim-Slaymaker Hardware Co., Catalog #103, 1928, KCI reprint 1982

Slaymaker, Barry & Co., Padlocks, 1894 Catalog, KCI reprint 1984
Slaymaker Lock Mfg. Corp., Catalog of Padlocks, RR Locks, 1913, KCI reprint 1982
Slaymaker Lock Mfg. Corp., Catalog of Padlocks, 1916, KCI reprint 1982
Slaymaker Lock Co., Padlocks, etc., Catalog #99, 1920, KCI reprint 1980

Ian