Large Double-Chamber Iron Padlock, 18th Century. America or England

Substantial hand made padlock with two chambers derived from English designs and most likely fabricated in America at the end of the 18th Century. In essence the lock is constructed with two locks laminated together interiorly and housed in a single deep body. Inspecting the bolt catch on the hasp, two distinct holes can be seen which indicate the two bolts. The key is inserted in the upper chamber to unlock the first bolt. Then the key is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the front keyhole where a perpendicular inner keyhole allows the key to drop down past an interior dividing wall into the second back chamber where the secondary bolt can be unlocked. Each chamber can be locked or unlocked independently. This added design feature would make it difficult to pick both chambers and would allow for ‘double bolting’ to fully secure the lock for added security.

Distinguishing Marks: Pair of filed notch marks on front top center face. Matching filed not marks on bow where bolts pass through to secure hasps as well as on key. Likely indicating associated parts to be assembled together made by various workmen producing locks of various sizes and designs.

Original Key: 4 x 1.6in. Barrel diameter: 0.41in (inner 0.30in)

Padlock: 4.63 x 5.61 x 1.8 in (11.77 x 14.3 x 4.6 cm)