Description: This padlock is from a modest estate.The lock is of the "paper seal padlock" type. For security, they used a paper seal about the size of a large postage stamp that was inserted behind the flip-up door that covers the keyway. If anyone attempted to enter the lock without authorization, the paper seal would show that the lock had been tampered with. Internal Revenue padlocks are more rare than railroad padlocks, especially when in excellent condition and with the original working key. There are few of these to be had. The lock is stamped "U.S. B.I.R." (Bureau of Internal Revenue). The shackle is stamped "FRAIM" to indicate the E.T. Fraim lock company, which was a rival of the S. R. Slaymaker, a Pennsylvania-based lock company founded in 1888. In 1913, the 16th Amendment to the US Constitution authorized an income tax, the Bureau of Internal Revenue was created. This name was used by the agency until the early 1950's. Helpful in researching the lock is the patent information. A nearly identical padlock is listed on the website "Antique Padlocks." See it here: https://antique-padlocks.com/seal_02.htm See item 730, the 16th one down on the page. The patent is number US141519A. You can go to Google Patents and look up this patent number. The patent was granted in 1873 and expired in 1890. The lock business was competitive and technology changed frequently. Google Patents shows this patent which can be viewed here: https://patents.google.com/patent/US141519A/en?oq=US141519A Scroll down the page to "Similar Documents" if you are interested in studying lock technology of the 19th and early 20th centuries. This lock shows no signs of entry other than with the original key--no damage on the sides or nicks to the keyway. The center pin in the keyway is solid and the springs seem good. I am learning about these locks and I welcome information that others may have. Also I can take more photos of any aspect of the lock you wish to see.
Price: 249 USD
Location: Sun City West, Arizona
End Time: 2024-10-14T00:30:01.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Type: Padlock
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States