Posted 2 years ago
dav2no1
(823 items)
American Lock - series 200
This is one of the locks I found in the box of locks and keys I bought recently.
Marked uhg US on the back. Not sure what uhg would stand for..any guesses?
This is a Military padlock that was used to secure dozens of varieties of military vehicles, radio sets, weapon racks, and other sensitive equipment.
When the key is inserted to unlock the padlock, the key is locked and cannot be removed until the padlock is closed.
"American Lock was acquired by Fortune Brands and merged with Master Lock in 2003."
WHERE DID I PUT IT?
Allegedly John Junkunc kept loosing his keys and this inspired him to invent the combination lock.
"In 1912 John Junkunc (founder of American Lock) was working as a railroad machinist when he created
the 'dial combination lock'. One of the first of its' kind, it became so popular that Junkunc quit his job at the
railroad and moved to Chicago where he worked full time fulfilling orders for his keyless lock."
***As always I will add a history link in the comments***
***American Lock History here
https://keypicking.com/viewtopic.php?t=6905
I know I have a couple very similar to this somewhere, but can't remember offhand whether they are stamped US or something else military...? I'll try to see if I can find 'em! :-)
I have several of these. I picked them up from a pile of items being abandoned at Phu Bai as that post was being closed and operations moved to Hue in 1973. They were new in the box. I was a bit surprised that they did not disappear from my hold baggage along with several switch blades I had collected and my stereo. I still use one of these on my back gate. No idea what the abbreviation stands for.
Not really obvious from your photo is that the body of the lock is machined from a solid block of steel. One of mine eventually got surface rust from years of exposure to the elements but still works fine.